Computational Study of Thermal and Flow Behavior in Porous Elliptic Wavy Channel

Abstract

This study numerically investigates laminar forced convection in a porous channel with elliptic wavy cavities, a geometry relevant to compact heat exchangers and energy systems. The governing equations, expressed in vorticity–stream function form, are solved using a finite difference method on a boundary-fitted curvilinear grid generated through elliptic grid-generation techniques. Parametric analyses explore the influence of the Reynolds number (Re), Darcy number (Da), Prandtl number (Pr), and cavity dimensions on fluid flow and heat transfer. Streamlines, isotherms, and local and average Nusselt numbers are used to characterize thermal performance. The results show that higher Re and Pr enhance convective heat transfer, while increased Da and cavity height reduce the Nusselt numbers due to weakened circulation. The elliptic wavy design improves mixing and localized heat transfer, offering guidance for optimizing porous thermal systems.