Numerical Analysis of Combined Heat and Mass Transfer by Mixed Convection over a Vertical Wall

Authors

https://doi.org/10.48313/mtei.v2i3.54

Abstract

In this study, combined (mixed) convection heat and mass transfer within the boundary layer along a corrugated vertical surface is numerically investigated. The governing non-dimensionalized partial differential equations are solved using a fully implicit finite difference scheme, ensuring numerical stability and accuracy. The effects of several key physical parameters, including the buoyancy ratio, Richardson number (Ri), Prandtl number (Pr), and Schmidt number (Sc), on the flow, temperature, and concentration fields are systematically examined.The results reveal that increasing the buoyancy ratio and Richardson number significantly enhances both heat and mass transfer rates due to stronger buoyancy-induced flow. It is also observed that higher Prandtl numbers lead to an increase in the heat transfer rate, indicating thinner thermal boundary layers. Similarly, an increase in the Schmidt number results in enhanced mass transfer, corresponding to reduced concentration boundary layer thickness. Moreover, the influence of the wavy surface geometry on velocity, temperature, and concentration distributions is analyzed, demonstrating that surface corrugation plays an important role in modifying the boundary layer structure and transport characteristics. The outcomes of this study provide useful insights for the optimization and design of high-efficiency heat exchangers, chemical processing devices, and other engineering systems involving mixed convection flow over non-flat or wavy surfaces.    

Keywords:

Heat and mass transfer, Mixed convection, Boundary layer flow, Vertical surface, Numerical solution, Finite difference method

References

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Published

2025-09-18

How to Cite

Ghaziyani, K. ., & Moslemi, M. . (2025). Numerical Analysis of Combined Heat and Mass Transfer by Mixed Convection over a Vertical Wall. Mechanical Technology and Engineering Insights, 2(3), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.48313/mtei.v2i3.54

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