Three-dimensional simulation of mixed convection in partially divided enclosures

In this study, three-dimensional mixed convective heat transfer in partially divided square enclosures are numerically investigated. The enclosures with two protruding partitions are prescribed to have opposite isothermal end walls with difference temperatures. A highly accurate spectral/hp element method is utilized for the spatial discretization in this study. The investigation has been carried out with two arrangements of the two protruding partitions: centered parallel and diagonal cross configurations. The Richardson number used in this investigation are 0.1 and 1.0. For each value of the Richardson number, the Grashof number is varied from 103, 104, 105 to 106. The effects of Richardson numbers, Grashof numbers and arrangements of the two protruding partitions to flow and temperature structures as well as the heat transfer characteristics are investigated.