Impact of variation in gap spacing and orientation of split baffles on thermodynamics optimization in naturally convective flow in corrugated enclosure

Abstract

The fundamental aim of this research work is to examine the effect of heated split baffles and the influence of different corrugation frequencies on steady-state natural convection within a sinusoidal corrugated square cavity. The configuration of the present model maintains a constant temperature of $T_c$ for the horizontal wavy boundaries and vertical walls while the inner split baffles are heated at a constant temperature of $T_h.$ The finite element method is applied to the discretized equations representing the fluid behavior within the enclosure, with the aim to investigate the inclination angles, variation of space between the baffles, corrugation frequencies, and the impact of Rayleigh number on the fluid motion and heat transfer. The variation in velocity and temperature profile is illustrated through the streamlines and isotherm contours. Moreover, the numerical results are carried out in terms of local and average Nusselt numbers of the heat transfer, which are analyzed for inside space of baffles and line dip-angles of the baffle $(\theta =0^{\mathrm{°}},{45}^{\mathrm{°}},{90}^{\mathrm{°}}),$ and $(\phi =0^{\mathrm{°}},{30}^{\mathrm{°}},{60}^{\mathrm{°}},{90}^{\mathrm{°}}).$ The key findings indicate that increasing the space $l_s$ between the baffles enhanced the convective heat transfer by $8.5\%,$ moreover, elevating the baffle angle to right angle $(\theta ={90}^{\mathrm{°}})$ amplify the heat transfer rate increase by $19.17\%.$ The augmentation in corrugation frequency leads $7.15\%$ reduction in heat transfer efficiency. The comparison of the present numerical simulations revealing a satisfactory and reliable match with the literature precedents.

Keywords:

• Baffles inclination
• corrugated enclosure
• finite element method
• natural convection

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Funding

This research received no external funding.