Numerical visualization of mass and heat transport for conjugate natural convection/heat conduction by streamline and heatline

The method of numerical visualization of mass and heat transport for convective heat transfer by streamlines and heatlines are comprehensively studied. Functions are directly defined in terms of dimensionless governing equations or variables. Some basic characteristics of the functions are illustrated in detail, knowledge of which is essential to perceive the results and the philosophy of heat and fluid flow. The consistency of the formulations is especially addressed when dealing with conjugate convection/conduction problem. The functions/lines are unified for both fluid and solid regions, and the diffusion coefficients of the function equations are invariant. The method has been used to visualize the heat and fluid flow structures for natural convection in an air (Pr = 0.71) filled square cavity over a wide range of Ra = 10(3) - 10(6), and those for conjugate natural convection/heat conduction problem where the conduction effect of solid body on heat transfer is investigated. As to exhibiting the nature of convective heat transfer, streamlines and heatlines provide a more practical and efficient means to visualize the results than the customary ways. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.