Numerical Investigation and POD-Based Interpolation of Natural Convection Cooling of Two Heating Blocks in a Square Cavity

Abstract

In this study, natural convection cooling of two heating blocks placed in a square cavity is numerically investigated. The cavity is cooled from vertical walls and the surface of the heating blocks are kept at constant temperature. The effect of placing the heating blocks at top, middle and bottom of the cavity, and the distance between the blocks on the heat transfer characteristic is numerically analyzed for the range of Grashof numbers between 10(3) and 10(6). The results are presented in terms of streamlines, isotherm plots and averaged Nusselt number plots. A POD-based interpolation method is also employed to predict the flow field and heat transfer characteristic for the case where the heating blocks are placed in the middle of the cavity. Nusselt number variation with respect to Grashof number is captured well with this approach of POD-based interpolation compared to the CFD calculations.