New Approach to Compute Accurately the Entropy Generation Due to Natural Convection in a Square Cavity

Abstract

The idea to carry out an exercise to compare the calculation of entropy generation for unsteady natural convection in a square cavity with vertical sides that are maintained at different temperatures was motived by the observation, in the literature, of inaccurate or often erroneous results concerning the values of this significant physical entity. It then appeared necessary to reconsider this problem in order to ensure its consistent assessment. The new approach that we propose allows a direct access to the value of the entropy generation by considering the exact values of the thermophysical properties of the working fluid, which depends on the Prandtl and the Rayleigh numbers.