Numerical simulation of buoyancy induced flow and heat transfer in a vertical channel with discrete heat sources

Abstract

Effective cooling of electronic components arranged in vertically oriented parallel boards is considered. The objective of the present investigation is to examine the effects of global flow in a channel upon the local heat transfer from a flush mounted source. The concept of adiabatic heat transfer coefficient and its application is clarified by reviewing its origins and examining a series of numerical experiments on a well-defined model problem. Simulations are conducted in the regions of laminar forced flow, mixed forced and local buoyant convection and buoyancy-induced flow. Local buoyancy effects cause a departure of adiabatic heat transfer coefficient from its value for pure forced convection. Calculations cover the range 10-3 at Pr = 0.7. The superposition principle for temperature fields is validated for forced convection. The effects of mixed convection upon this phenomenon is subsequently examined.