A Differential Quadrature Solution of MHD Natural Convection in an Inclined Enclosure With a Partition

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamics natural convection in an inclined enclosure with a partition is studied numerically using a differential quadrature method. Governing equations for the fluid flow and heat transfer are solved for the Rayleigh number varying from 104 to 106, the Prandtl numbers (0.1, 1, and 10), four different Hartmann numbers (0, 25, 50, and 100), the inclination angle ranging from 0degto90deg, and the magnetic field with the x and y directions. The results show that the convective flow weakens considerably with increasing magnetic field strength, and the x-directional magnetic field is more effective in reducing the convection intensity. As the inclination angle increases, multicellular flows begin to develop on both sides of the enclosure for higher values of the Hartmann number if the enclosure is under the x-directional magnetic field. The vorticity generation intensity increases with increase of Rayleigh number. On the other hand, increasing Hartmann number has a negative effect on vorticity generation. With an increase in the inclination angle, the intensity of vorticity generation is observed to shift to top left corners and bottom right corners. Vorticity generation loops in each region of enclosure form due to multicelluar flow for an x-directional magnetic field when the inclination angle is increased further. In addition, depending on the boundary layer developed, the vorticity value on the hot wall increases first sharply with increasing y and then begins to decrease gradually. For the high Rayleigh numbers, the average Nusselt number shows an increasing trend as the inclination angle increases and a peak value is detected. Beyond the peak point, the foregoing trend reverses to decrease with the further increase of the inclination angle. The results also show that the Prandtl number has only a marginal effect on the flow and heat transfer.