Modelization of combined radiative and conductive heat transfer in three‐dimensional complex enclosures

Abstract

PurposeTo provide a finite volume code, based on Cartesian coordinates, for studying combined conductive and radiative heat transfer in three‐dimensional irregular geometries.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, a three‐dimensional blocked‐off‐region procedure was presented and implemented in a numerical code based on the finite volume method to model combined conductive and radiative heat transfer in complex geometries. This formulation was developed and tested in three‐dimensional complex enclosures with diffuse reflective surfaces and containing gray absorbing‐emitting and isotropically scattering medium. This approach was applied to analyze the effect of the main of thermoradiative parameters on the temperature and flux values for three‐dimensional L‐shaped enclosure.FindingsThe proposed isotropic model leads to satisfactory solutions with comparison to reference data, which entitles us to extend it to anisotropic diffusion cases or to non‐gray media. The blocked‐off‐region procedure traits both straight and curvilinear boundaries. For curved or inclined boundaries, a fine or a non‐uniform grid is needed.Originality/valueThis paper offers a simple Cartesian practical technique to study the combined conductive and radiative heat transfer in three‐dimensional complex enclosures with both straight and curvilinear boundaries.