Heat transfer in a porous cavity in presence of square solid block

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyze the heat transfer in a square porous cavity that has a solid block placed at its center. The prime focus of this study is to investigate the effect of size of the square solid block and other physical parameters on the heat transfer rate from the hot surface into the porous medium. The left vertical surface of cavity is maintained at a hot temperature and the right vertical surface at a cool temperature, Tc. The finite element method is used to simplify the governing equations and is solved iteratively. It is noted that the size of the solid block plays a vital role in dictating the heat transfer from the hot surface to porous medium.Design/methodology/approachThe current work is based on finite element formulation of a square porous cavity that has a solid square block placed at its center. Governing equations were solved iteratively.FindingsThe size of the solid block has a pronounced effect on the heat transfer behavior inside the porous cavity.Originality/valueThis study highlights the heat transfer due to a conducting square solid block at mid of porous cavity.