Entropy generation inside disk driven rotating convectional flow

In the present study, entropy generation inside disk driven rotating convectional flow is investigated for the first time. In order to reveal the effects of rotating of the disk (described by the Reynolds number Re) and the buoyancy force (described by the Grashof number Gr) on entropy generation systematically, we divide the cases investigated in the present study into three groups: (1) Re≠0 but Gr = 0 (corresponding to forced convection); (2) Re = 0 but Gr≠0 (corresponding to natural convection); (3) both Re≠0 and Gr≠0 (corresponding to mixed convection). We find the situation becomes quite complex when the influences of rotating of the disk and the buoyancy force both should be considered. The conclusions drew from the first two groups can not be applied to the last one straightforwardly. Especially, some phenomena observed in Group (3) are fully contrary to that in the first two groups.