3D Natural Convection

Analysis Characteristics

• Steady-state
• Three Dimensional External Flow
• Turbulent
• Incompressible Flow
• Natural Convection
• Buoyancy

Reference

Fogiel, M., “The Heat Transfer Problem Solver,” Research and Education Association, New Jersey, 1984, pp. 320-322

Problem Description

For this case, we simulate natural convection across a vertical flat plate. This is problem 6-5 in the reference. All geometry and properties are taken from the reference. We will compare the heat transfer calculated on the plate by Autodesk Simulation CFD to the empirically calculated heat transfer in the reference.

Geometry and Boundary Conditions

The unmarked surfaces are symmetry surfaces. The vertical plate starts at the inlet and is not heated for the first 3 feet. This allows the thermal boundary layer to grow separately from the momentum boundary layer.

The inlet temperature is 70°F. The temperature of the heated portion of the plate is 105°F.

Results