Simplified finite element approximations for coupled natural convection and radiation heat transfer

Abstract

This article focuses on the effect of radiative heat on natural convection heat transfer in a square domain inclined with an angle. The left vertical wall of the enclosure is heated while maintaining the vertical right wall at room temperature with both adiabatic upper and lower horizontal walls. The governing equations are Navier–Stokes equations subjected to Boussinesq approximation to account the change in density. The natural convection–radiation equations are solved continuously to obtain the temperature, velocity and pressure. Taylor–Hood finite element approach has been adopted to solve the equations using triangular mesh. Effects of Rayleigh number, Planck constant and optical depth on the results are considered, presented and analyzed. Results show that the adiabatic walls, Planck constant as well as the inclined angle play an important role in the distribution of heat transfer inside the cavity.