Numerical Modelling of Porous Square Cavity Heated on Vertical Walls in Presence of Magnetic Field

Nanofluid flow inside a cavity due to natural convection with thermal boundaries heated at the vertical walls is studied numerically in the presence of magnetic field. In this study, the porous cavity is filled with Cu-water nanofluid. Equations governing the motion of fluid due to change in temperature are given by continuity, momentum and energy equation. The non-dimensionalized equations are then solved numerically using finite difference method. Graphs are used to describe the results obtained. Steady-state profiles are illustrated by streamlines and isotherms, for varying Darcy number, Da, and Hartmann number, Ha. The increase in magnetic field leads to change in flow patterns, which is visible when the Darcy number increases significantly. Increase in magnetic field leads to increase in local Nusselt number for lower Rayleigh number, Ra, and decrease in local Nusselt number for higher, Ra.