Double Diffusive Natural Convective Flow Characteristics in a Cavity

The influences of Soret and Dufour coefficients on free convection flow phenomena in a partially heated square cavity filled with water- Al2O3 nanofluid is studied numerically. The top surface has constant temperature Tc, while bottom surface is partially heated Th, with Th > Tc. The concentration in top wall is maintained higher than bottom wall (Cc < Ch). The remaining bottom wall and the two vertical walls are considered adiabatic. Water is considered as the base fluid. By Penalty Finite Element Method the governing equations are solved. The effect of the Soret and Dufour coefficients on the flow pattern and heat and mass transfer has been depicted. Comprehensive average Nusselt and Sherwood numbers, average temperature and concentration and mid-height horizontal and vertical velocities inside the cavity are presented as a function of the governing parameters. Results shows that both heat and mass transfer increased by Soret and Dufour coefficients.