Mathematical modeling of convective heat transfer enhancement using circular cylinders in an inverted T‐shaped porous enclosure

Abstract

AbstractThe present research aims to improve the convective thermal transport rate of a hybrid nanofluid within an inverted T‐shaped porous enclosure using strategically placed cold circular cylinders. Different locations of circular cylinders in the physical domain are distinguished with nomenclatures as Cases C0‐C4. The mathematical model, based on the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer equation, is numerically simulated through the penalty finite element method. Fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are depicted graphically, showcasing streamlines, isotherms, mean Nusselt number (), and heat transfer enhancement percentage (En%) across varied thermo‐physical parameters, including Rayleigh number (), Darcy number (), and porosity values (). Notably, the presence of two circular cylinders at the bottom flow zones (Case C4) demonstrates superior heat transfer compared to other spatial cylinder arrangements with increasing . Furthermore, augmenting flow parameters () in the case C4 model intensifies convective heat and fluid flow phenomena. A comparative analysis of thermal transport activity between Case C4 and the simple physical domain (Case C0) reveals maximum thermal enhancement of 166%, 167%, and 36% across varying , , and values. This comprehensive analysis suggests that two circular cylinders (Case C4) at the bottom flow section of the porous enclosure provide an effective strategy for enhancing convective fluid and thermal transport phenomena in an inverted T‐shaped porous enclosure. Moreover, this research significantly contributes in optimizing the thermal transport engineering of T‐shaped applications like solar collectors, exchangers, and heat storage.