Numerical Simulation of Conjugate Mixed Convection in 3D Channel with Heat-Generating Flat Element and Symmetrical Solid Two-Fin System

Abstract

This paper presents the numerical simulation results of conjugate mixed convection in a three-dimensional channel with a heat-generating element and solid fins. It should be noted that the symmetrical location of fins has been studied. The system of partial differential equations, presented in dimensionless form using velocity and vorticity vectors, has been solved by the finite difference method on a uniform grid. The central difference schemes have been used to approximate diffusive terms. In contrast, for an approximation of convective terms, the monotonic Samarskii difference schemes have been applied to improve the stable properties of central differences of the second order of accuracy. Analysis has been performed on a wide range of governing parameters, including the Reynolds number (200 ≤ Re ≤ 1000), the material of the fins (aluminum, copper, and iron), and the location of the fins on the heater surface, taking into account the identical distances between the fins and the nearest walls. Water has been considered a working cooling medium. The obtained outcomes characterize the most efficient heat removal from the surface of the energy source using the considered fin system. For example, by using copper fins, the cooling efficiency of the heating element can be increased. The average heater temperature decreases significantly with an increase in the Reynolds number. The distance between the fins also makes a significant contribution to the cooling phenomenon. It is noted that with the most successful choice of location, it is possible to decrease the temperature of the heater by more than 12%.