Lattice Boltzmann Simulation on Mixed Convection of Nanofluids in A Lid-Driven Cavity with Discrete Thermal Sources

Abstract

The present study is to analyze the convective flow and heat transfer of nanofluids in a square lid-driven cavity by lattice Boltzmann method. The paper is composed of two parts. In the first part, the lattice Boltzmann simulation results are compared with some available results in the literature and the solution of the finite volume method for the present problem. The second part is devoted to investigation of arrangement of heaters and coolers on vertical walls in a lid-driven cavity, specifically the location. The top wall is moving in its own plane either leftward (case I) or rightward (case II). The vertical walls are heated/cooled fully or partially and the horizontal walls are adiabatic. It is observed that the lattice Boltzmann results for differentially heated cavity and lid-driven cavity are in good agreement with that of the finite volume method results and some results available in the literature. It is also found that the heater/cooler location plays a vital role on convective flow and consequently heat transfer. The study sheds light on the allocation of the sources that is helpful for the designing of electronic components and other coolants.