Optimization of the effect of Prandtl number, inclination angle, magnetic field, and Richardson number on double-diffusive mixed convection flow in a rectangular domain

Abstract

The effect of Prandtl number (Pr), inclination of the cavity (γ), magnetic field (Ha), and Richardson number (Ri) on double-diffusive mixed convection is numerically investigated. The study aims to understand and optimize all the selected parameters effect on heat and species transfer and fluid flow. The best combination of the selected parameter and their level for the optimum performance of the cavity is determined by the Taguchi method. The significance of the parameters considered is determined using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. The governing equations are solved using FVM based SIMPLE algorithm technique. Contour plots are used to present the numerical results. The combination of the factor levels for the optimum heat and mass transfer rate is found from the Taguchi analysis as Pr = 7.0, Ha = 0, γ = 60°, and Ri = 10. From the numerical analysis, the value of the average Nu and average Sh for the optimum combination is found as 27.35 and 34.79 respectively. From the ANOVA result, it is found that the Pr and γ have 47.74% and 25.49% contribution on average Nu and 47.41% and 25.59% contribution on average Sh respectively.