Simulation of fully developed laminar free convection flow between vertical parallel flat plates

This study presents a numerical investigation of laminar free convection between vertical parallel plates with asymmetric uniform wall temperatures. The right wall is maintained at a higher temperature than the left. Fluid enters the channel at a temperature less than or equal to the cooler wall. Using the finite volume method in OpenFOAM v13, the governing equations are solved and validated against classical analytical solutions. A systematic grid convergence study ensures spatial independence. Results show that while the linear temperature profile is accurately captured on coarse grids, the cubic velocity profile requires higher resolution for precision. The findings validate the numerical methodology and offer critical insights into mesh requirements for accurately simulating fully developed natural convection flows in vertical channels.