Numerical simulation of MHD double-diffusive mixed convection in a closed cavity filled with liquid potassium alloy: Incorporating thermosolutal source

Abstract

This numerical study investigates the effect of a magnetic field and discrete thermo-solutal source on steady double-diffusive mixed convection in a double-sided cavity filled with liquid potassium alloy using the finite volume method. The discrete thermo-solutal source is fixed on the cavity left wall, with three locations considered in three cases. In contrast, the right vertical wall is maintained at a low temperature and concentration. The remaining part of the enclosure is kept adiabatic. The investigation explores the effects of relevant parameters, including Reynolds number (102 ≤ Re ≤ 103), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 50), Lewis number (1.0 ≤ Le ≤ 10.0), and source location (0 ≤ η ≤ 1.0), Prandtl number (Pr = 0.054), and Source length (0.2L) are held constant. The results show that heat and mass transfer rates increase with Reynolds number, decreasing with Hartmann number. By increasing Le, the heat transfer reduces, and mass transfer increases. By reducing η from 0.8 to 0, the proximity of the corresponding sources enhances thermal and solutal effects, leading to increased heat and mass transfer rates. Further, an empirical correlation is developed for the average Nusselt number (Nuavg) and the average Sherwood number (Shavg).

Keywords

• Double diffusive mixed convection
• Thermo-solutal sources
• Magneto-hydrodynamic Effect
• Liquid potassium alloy
• Correlations