Numerical study of natural convection around a square cylinder within a square enclosure for different orientations

To attain the goal of sustainable development of resources, a study was conducted around a heated square cylinder placed inside a relatively cooler square enclosure. The temperature difference between the enclosure and cylinder is governed by different Rayleigh numbers (10(4), 10(5) and 10(6)). For each case, analysis was done to know how the change in orientation of cylinder about its central axis affects the heat flow and flow characteristics. The problem is analyzed using ANSYS fluent and the plots are built-in Tecplot. The study also hopes to provide necessary analysis on flow characteristics by swotting through the Nusselt number, Skin friction coefficient, and pressure coefficient of each case. To further enrich the study, analysis on its vorticity, velocity magnitude, and drag is done. By comparing a square at the different rotation of 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees, we inferred that 45 degrees angle of rotation provides the most optimum and efficient means of heat transfer higher Rayleigh number. This is caused due to effective formation of the recirculation system around, which is formed due to an increase in velocity and skin friction drag around the cylinder and inside the enclosure.

Automated summary

The study investigated the impact of changing the orientation of a square cylinder around its central axis on heat flow and flow characteristics, and found that a 45-degree rotation angle provides the most optimal and efficient means of heat transfer at higher Rayleigh numbers.