Numerical study of mixed convection flows in a U-shaped channel

Abstract

In this work, we study numerically mixed convection flows in an open U-shaped channel. The right opening lets pass fresh air at cold temperature TC, while the walls of the channel are heated at the temperature TH > TC. Our study is based on a volume control method performed for 100 < Re < 700, Ra = 105 and Pr = 0.72. Results are presented in terms of thermal and dynamic fields, Nusselt number variation with Re, flow velocities and temperatures at the channel outlet.