Laminar free convection in inclined enclosures filled with a fluid saturated porous medium

Abstract

Detailed numerical computations for steady-state laminar natural convection within in oblique cavities totally filled with a fluid saturated porous medium is numerically analyzed using the finite volume method in a generalized coordinate system. The inclined walls are maintained at constant but different temperatures, while the horizontal walls are kept insulated. Governing equations are written in terms of primitive variables and are recast into a general form. Flow and heat transfer characteristics, (streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number), are investigated for Rayleigh number ranging from 10 3 to 104 and inclined angles ranging from 0° to 45°. In general, present results show good agreement with previous works. Analyses of important environmental and engineering flows can benefit from the derivations herein and, ultimately, it is expected that additional research on this new subject be stimulated by the work here presented. Copyright © 2004 by ASME.