Numerical Modelling of Rib Width and Surface Radiation Effect on Natural Convection in a Vertical Vented and Divided Channel

International audienceNatural convection with surface radiation heat transfer is investigated numerically in a vented vertical channel heated asymmetrically. The numerical solution is obtained using a finite volume method based on the SIMPLER algorithm for the treatment of velocity-pressure coupling. Concerning the radiation exchange, in particular, the working fluid is assumed to be transparent, so that only the solid surfaces (assumed diffuse-grey) give a contribute to such exchange. The effect of Rayleigh numbers and rib width (for Pr=0.7 air fluid) on the heat transfer and flow structure in the channel is examined in detail. Results are presented in terms of isotherms, streamlines, and average Nusselt number