Multiphysics Study of Forced Convection Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) Problem

Abstract

This paper presents a problem undergoing conjugate heat transfer (CHT). Conjugate heat transfer problems are common is domestic heating/cooling, industrial heat exchangers, cooling of electronics (e.g. PC fans). It is to be noted that in conjugate heat transfer problems, the convection part of the heat transfer is dominated.<p> In the given study, a hypothetical case is built where a heat source (a burning candle) is placed under a thin aluminium sheet. The aluminium sheet is exposed to wind velocity using a fan (velocity of ~1.75 m/s). The aluminium sheet is coated with acrylic paint to increase the infrared emissivity of the surface. FLIR® T1030sc camera is used to visualise the developed infrared signature. Precautions are taken to ensure the correctness of results. <p>The given problem is simulated using ANSYS® Multiphysics, where fluid mechanics equations; continuity, momentum and energy are coupled with the heat equation. This Multiphysics problem is solved using a finite volume method. Mesh sensitivity analysis is performed to ensure the correctness of results. <p>The results from infrared thermography and the Multiphysics model are compared and found to be in reasonable accuracy.