Aerodynamic and thermal characteristics of inclined tandem square cylinders under mixed convection

Abstract

This study presents a numerical investigation of airflow past inclined tandem square cylinders under mixed convection conditions, with a fixed Reynolds number (Re = 100) and Prandtl number (Pr = 0.71). The Boussinesq approximation is employed to model the effects of thermal buoyancy on flow dynamics and convective heat transfer. The analysis focuses on evaluating aerodynamic and thermal characteristics, including drag and lift coefficients, Strouhal number, and Nusselt number, across various configurations of tandem square cylinders at low Reynolds numbers using a two-dimensional numerical simulation. The study explores Ri ranging from 0.2 to 1 and gap ratios (s/d = 2, 4, 8) for three inclination angles: (0°, 0°), (0°, 45°), and (45°, 45°). Flow visualization is performed through streamline, vorticity, and temperature contours, while quantitative analysis is conducted based on Nusselt numbers and aerodynamic coefficients. The results demonstrate that thermal buoyancy significantly influences vortex dynamics, suppressing vortex shedding at higher Ri values, particularly in inclined configurations. Additionally, an increase in Richardson number enhances convective heat transfer, with Nusselt numbers increasing in the trailing cylinder due to buoyancy-driven flow modifications.

This research provides valuable insights into buoyancy-driven aerodynamics and heat transfer mechanisms, offering potential applications in thermal management and flow control strategies.