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February 19, 2026Heat Transfer0 citationsOpen Access

Natural Convective Heat Transfer in Inclined Enclosures Filled With Power‐Law Fluids: A CFD Study

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MAMuhammad AbdullahMAMd Sajib Ali

Key Points

  • The aim is to numerically explore the natural convection of non-Newtonian power-law fluids in inclined enclosures, assessing how various parameters affect heat transfer.
  • Numerical investigation using the finite element method.
  • Analysis of different inclination angles (0° to 45°).
  • Parametric variability of Prandtl number (1 to 100) and power-law index (0.6 to 1.4).
  • Measurement of thermal performance using the average Nusselt number.
  • Shear-thickening fluids restrict convection, while shear-thinning fluids improve circulation.
  • Heat transfer efficiency is maximized for n < 1, Pr = 100, and φ = 0°.
  • A transition from conduction-dominated to convection-dominated heat transfer is observed with increasing Prandtl number.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study numerically investigates steady laminar natural convection of non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids within differentially heated inclined enclosures using the finite element method. The bottom wall is maintained at a constant hot temperature, the side walls at a constant cold temperature, and the top wall is adiabatic. The inclination angle (0° ≤ ϕ ≤ 45°), Prandtl number (1 ≤ Pr ≤ 100), and power‐law index (0.6 ≤ n ≤ 1.4) all exhibit parametric fluctuations for a constant Rayleigh number (Ra = 10 3 ). The finite element method using a triangular and quadratic mesh discretization technique is used to solve a variety of governing equations. The system's thermal performance is measured using the average Nusselt number, and streamlines and isotherms are used to study flow and thermal fields. According to the results, shear‐thickening fluids ( n > 1) restrict convection while shear‐thinning fluids ( n < 1) show improved circulation and better heat transfer rates. Stronger boundary layers result from the heat transmission regime changing from conduction‐dominated to convection‐dominated when the Prandtl number rises. Maximum thermal performance is observed for n < 1, Pr = 100, and ϕ = 0°. The results show strong consistency when tested against benchmark non‐Newtonian outcomes. With implications for uses in electronic cooling, energy storage, and polymer processing, the study provides a thorough understanding of the interrelated impacts of geometry, fluid rheology, and thermo‐physical characteristics on natural convection.

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Cite This Study

Abdullah et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6996a7c3ecb39a600b3edc75https://doi.org/10.1002/htj.70207
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