Conjugate local thermal non-equilibrium heat transfer in a porous medium-filled cavity with a rotating cylinder: Analysis and insights

Abstract

In this work, local thermal non-equilibrium effects are examined as they relate to conjugate natural convection heat transfer in a cavity filled with a porous medium. The investigation also considers the rotation of the central cylinder and the undulation of the cavity’s solid sides. Additionally, the analysis includes the consideration of heat transfer bifurcation occurring at the interface between the solid walls and the porous medium. The equations that govern the behavior of the fluid within the porous region and the heat transfer equations for the porous matrix and solid walls are mathematically expressed as partial differential equations. To solve these equations, the finite element method is employed. The study reports and analyzes the influence of parameters such as Darcy number, Rayleigh number, Prandtl number, and thermal conductivity ratio on flow and thermal fields. Additionally, the study examines the effect of rotational cylindrical motion on fluid flow and heat transfer via its speed rotation. The results indicate that undulated walls and rotational speed significantly impact fluid streamlines and isotherm contours within the porous space, as well as the distribution of isotherms within the solid walls. The findings of this study could have practical implications in the design and optimization of porous media-based systems involving heat transfer.