Numerical Study of Magneto-Convection in a Partitioned Enclosure

The purpose of the present work is to investigate the effect of magnetic field on laminar natural-convection heat transfer inside a partitioned enclosure. In our formulation of non linear governing equations, mass, momentum, and energy are applied to the partitioned enclosure. A finite volume code based on PATANKAR's SIMPLER method is utilized. Results are obtained for different Rayleigh numbers (Ra), Hartmann numbers (Ha) and baffle positions while the Prandtl number is constant (Pr=0.733). Results show that as Ra increases the maximum absolute value of the stream function increases and causes the flow to move faster. Also, as Hartman number increases (magnetic field intensifies) the natural convection suppresses and therefore the maximum absolute value of the stream function and Nusselt number reduces. Furthermore the partition causes the flow to separate and to form two vortexes inside the enclosure.