Finite element analysis of conjugate natural convection in a square enclosure with a conducting vertical wall Original Research Article

The scope of the finite element method in solving conjugate conduction with natural convection in enclosure has been investigated. For this purpose, the set of governing equations have been reframed and put into a form that can easily fit into the Galerkin formulation. Easy accommodation of the material properties and global solution of the same set of conservation equations constitute the salient features of this formulation. Conduction in the solid zone is simulated by assigning a high value of dimensionless viscosity in this zone. With this formulation, natural convection is studied in a square enclosure, with a conducting vertical wall. In addition to highlighting the operational aspects of the scheme, a detailed investigation has been carried out on the associated flow structure and heat transfer. Results are presented for Rayleigh number in the range of 103 to 106. The effects of conduction in the wall is studied for three different values of the non-dimensional wall thickness (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4) with a wide range of dimensionless conductivity of the wall.