The effects of radiation on natural convection in a rectangular enclosure divided by two partitions

Abstract

The phenomena of radiation-affected steady-laminar natural convection in a rectangular enclosure with two incomplete partitions are numerically examined under a large temperature difference. Tare convection, convection with surface radiation, and convection with surface/gas radiation are considered and compared. To examine the effects of two incomplete partitions on thermofluid dynamics behavior, they are assumed to be very thin and adiabatic. The finite-volume method (FVM) is used for solving the radiative transport equation, assuming that partitions are radiatively opaque. After validating the numerical procedures, the detailed radiation effects were sought. Based on the results of this study, it,vas found that the radiation played a significant role in developing the fluid dynamic and thermal distributions compared with eases without radiation. Once radiation was involved, the surface radiation was dominant over the gas radiation. The baffle configuration was also found to affect the results of radiation.