Turbulent Natural Convection in a Composite Enclosure Using the Thermal Non-Equilibrium Model

Turbulent natural convection in a two-dimensional horizontal composite square cavity is numerically analyzed using the finite volume method and the thermal non-equilibrium approach. Distinct energy equations for the working fluid and for the porous matrix are proposed reflecting different energy balances for each phase. The composite square cavity is formed by three distinct regions, namely, clear, porous and solid region. It was found that the fluid begins to permeate the porous medium for values of Ra greater than 10^6. Nusselt number values show that for the range of Ra analyzed there are no significant variation between the laminar and turbulent model solution. When comparing the effects of Ra and Da on Nu, results indicate that the solid phase properties have a greater influence in enhancing the overall heat transferred trough the cavity.