Numerical study of magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection in a partially heated rectangular enclosure with elliptic block

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection fluid flow and heat transfer in a partially heated rectangular enclosure with elliptic block has been investigated numerically in this study. The left wall of the enclosure is supposed to be at high temperature Th whereas the right wall is maintained at low temperature Tc while the remaining walls are kept adiabatic. The governing differential equations are solved by finite element method (FEM). A uniform magnetic field of strength B0 is applied parallel to the x-axis. Numerical results have been obtained for a wide range of dimensionless parameters such as Richardson number, Hartmann number and Reynolds number and presented graphically in the form of streamlines, isotherms contours, average temperature and average Nusselt number along the heated section of the left wall. The obtained result shows that temperature distribution and flow pattern inside the enclosure depended on both strength of the magnetic field and Richardson number and also the presence of elliptic obstacle. In addition, heat transfer rate and average temperature influenced noticiably with the variation of governing parameters.