Simulation of mixed convection over horizontal plate

Abstract

Mixed convection over horizontal heated plate was simulated with four numerical models based on Reynolds stress, large eddy simulation (LES) and eddy viscosity approximations. Temperature distributions over plate and in adjacent volume of fluid were the main criteria of results assessment. Three-dimensional computational domain was considered with symmetry boundary conditions. Simulation was performed with Code_Saturne software package in unsteady formulation. Three orthogonal meshes were evaluated to validate initial guess about optimal cell size. u2-f and Smagorinsky LES models appeared to yield the most adequate results. However, temperature distribution in high-buoyancy region, located in the middle of heated plate, was reproduced much more accurate with classical LES and elliptic blending Reynolds stress models. Obtained results are suitable for industrial applications (e.g. cooling jackets) and might be a base ground for further research.