Numerical simulatlon of the buoyancy-induced flow in a partially open enclosure

A numerical study of a buoyancy-induced flow generated by a finite-size heat source located on a vertical wall of an enclosure with a single opening is carried out. A two-dimensional laminar flow is assumed. Employing a stream function vorticity formulation within the framework of the Boussinesq approximations, the temperature and the flow fields are computed. The effect of the opening on the induced flow is investigated in terms of the size and the location of the opening. Numerical results are obtained for a wide range of governing parameters, particularly the Rayleigh number. The Prandtl number is taken as that corresponding to air at normal con ditions, Pr = 0.72, and the aspect ratio of the enclosure is varied. Of particular interest were the flow generated in the vicinity of the opening, the flow adjacent to the heated surface, and any stratification that might arise in the enclosure. All these and several other relevant aspects are considered in this study. The numerical formulation for the boundary conditions is a very important consideration and is discussed. Other relevant and important numerical aspects are also considered in this paper.