Lattice Boltzmann simulation of natural convection with temperature-dependent viscosity in a porous cavity

Abstract

Laminar convection of a fluid with a temperature-dependent viscosity in an enclosure filled with a porous medium is studied numerically based on a Lattice Boltzmann method. It is shown that the variation in viscosity has significant influences on both flow and heat transfer behaviours. In comparison with the results for constant viscosity, the fluid with variable viscosity exhibits a higher heat transfer rate. The non-Darcy effects on fluid flow and heat transfer are also studied for both constant and variable viscosity. Copyright © 2005 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.