Transient Natural Convection in Vertical Channels Symmetrically Heated at Uniform Heat Flux

Abstract A numerical transient analysis of natural convection in air between two vertical parallel plates, heated at uniform heat flux, is carried out. The problem is two-dimensional and laminar and the full Navier-Stokes and energy equations are employed. The control volume method is used to discretize the equations on a uniform grid. Results are given at different aspect ratio values and Rayleigh number values. The simulation allows detection of complex structures of the flow inside and outside the channel. Temperature profiles as a function of time show an overshoot and undershoot increase at the lowest aspect ratio and highest Rayleigh number. Inside the channel conductive and convective regimes as well as an inverse fluid motion are observed. Transient average Nusselt number presents oscillations before the steady-state. This work was funded by the Regione Campania Legge 5 and SUN 2007 research grants.