Combined Free and Forced Convection Through Vertical Rectangular Channels With Unequal Heating From Sides

Abstract

Fully developed laminar combined free and forced convection through vertical rectangular channels is studied. Uniform heat input per unit length is considered. All fluid properties are considered invariant with temperature except for the variation of density in the body-force term of the equation of motion. Broad sides of the duct are assumed at uniform temperature. The short sides have been treated for adiabatic condition; or under nonzero finite and even unequal heat fluxes. An exact solution of the problem has been presented. Nusselt numbers have been evaluated and their variation with respect to aspect ratios, buoyancy parameter, and short side heat fluxes have been studied.