Simulation of mixed convection in a vertical channel containing discrete porous-covering heat blocks

A numerical investigation is made of fully developed laminar mixed convection in a vertical channel with multiple porous-covered heated blocks on one channel wall. The Brinkman-Forchheimer-Extended Darcy model with the Boussinesq approximation is used to characterize the flowfield inside the porous region. Solution of the coupled governing equations for the fluid/porous/solid composite system is obtained by utilizing control volume method through the use of a stream function-vorticity approach. The dependence of streamlines, isotherms, and local and overall mean Nusselt numbers on the governing parameters, such as the Darcy number, Reynolds number, Grashof number, effective conductivity ratio, and geometric parameter, is documented in detail. The results show that the strength and extent of recirculating flow induced by porous-covering block make significant changes in the cooling of block heater, especially on block back faces.