Theoretical Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Thermosolutal Mixed Convection in a Vertically Oriented Rectangular Enclosure

Abstract

This study presents an analytical and numerical approach to thermosolutal mixed convection in a vertical rectangular cavity containing a Newtonian fluid of Prandtl number, Pr = 7. The vertical walls are mobile and subject to constant heat and mass fluxes, while the horizontal walls are considered impermeable and adiabatic. The mathematical model is based on the Navier-Stokes equations, as well as the conservation of energy and concentration equations. An analytical solution, based on the parallel flow approximation, has been developed for elongated cavities (A >> 1). At the same time, the governing equations were solved numerically using the finite-difference method. The results show that the analytical solution is in good agreement with the numerical one for all the considered parameters. Rayleigh number and Peclet number growth play roles in enhancing mixed convection, thus influencing the overall flow and heat transfer characteristics.