Natural Convective Heat Transfer in Inclined Enclosures Filled With Power‐Law Fluids: A CFD Study

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Authors: Muhammad Abdullah, Md Sajib Ali
Cited by: 0
References: 33

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study numerically investigates steady laminar natural convection of non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids within differentially heated inclined enclosures using the finite element method. The bottom wall is maintained at a constant hot temperature, the side walls at a constant cold temperature, and the top wall is adiabatic. The inclination angle (0° ≤ ϕ ≤ 45°), Prandtl number (1 ≤ Pr ≤ 100), and power‐law index (0.6 ≤ n ≤ 1.4) all exhibit parametric fluctuations for a constant Rayleigh number (Ra = 10 3 ). The finite element method using a triangular and quadratic mesh discretization technique is used to solve a variety of governing equations. The system's thermal performance is measured using the average Nusselt number, and streamlines and isotherms are used to study flow and thermal fields. According to the results, shear‐thickening fluids ( n > 1) restrict convection while shear‐thinning fluids ( n < 1) show improved circulation and better heat transfer rates. Stronger boundary layers result from the heat transmission regime changing from conduction‐dominated to convection‐dominated when the Prandtl number rises. Maximum thermal performance is observed for n < 1, Pr = 100, and ϕ = 0°. The results show strong consistency when tested against benchmark non‐Newtonian outcomes. With implications for uses in electronic cooling, energy storage, and polymer processing, the study provides a thorough understanding of the interrelated impacts of geometry, fluid rheology, and thermo‐physical characteristics on natural convection.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Heat Transfer and Optimization Heat Transfer and Numerical Methods Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer

Publication details

Journal / source
Heat Transfer
Volume
55
Issue
4
Pages
2506–2517
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN