Application of Particle Image Velocimetry and Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods for Analysis of Natural Convection over a Horizontal Heating Source

Abstract

The objective of this article is to address the challenges associated with visualizing air flow over a heating source in an open laboratory environment. The study uses a combination of experimental visualization and numerical simulation techniques to generate a 3D model of the air flow and heat transfer between the heating source and the environment via natural convection. The Particle Image Velocimetry method is used to experimentally visualize the air flow, which is known for its benefits of high speed and accuracy, and for its ability to avoid disturbing the flow of the fluid being investigated. The data obtained from this experimental method are used as input for numerical simulations using the Ansys Fluent program. The numerical simulations identify air vortices and other elements that disrupt the airflow in the laboratory environment. The resulting 3D model accurately represents the actual situation in the laboratory and could be further optimized by adjusting parameters such as the output of the heater and the heating source temperature. These parameters play a crucial role in ensuring thermal comfort in the laboratory environment, which is of utmost importance for user comfort. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the visualization of air flow over a heating source and demonstrates the effectiveness of combining experimental and numerical simulation techniques to generate accurate 3D models of air flow and heat transfer.

Advances in Numerical Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow

“…The data from the measurements were used as input for numerical simulations performed using Ansys Fluent software 18. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of combining measurements and numerical simulation to develop an accurate 3D model of heat transfer in laminar air flow [10]. The authors demonstrated that their 3D model had well-identified vorticities and had the potential to be used to simulate thermal comfort in the laboratory environment.…”

“…Measurements of fluid thermal dynamics are still required in order to increase the knowledge and understanding of flow phenomena and to build an experimental base for the validation of mathematical models. Holešová et al [10] focused on the challenges associated with visualising air flow over a heating source in an open laboratory environment. The authors performed an experimental visualisation and numerical simulation of air flow and heat transfer between the heating source and the environment using natural convection.…”

“…The authors demonstrated that their 3D model had well-identified vorticities and had the potential to be used to simulate thermal comfort in the laboratory environment. It can be further extended by using and adjusting parameters such as the output of the heater and the heating source temperature [10].…”