Direct simulation of forced convection flow in a parallel plate channel filled with porous media

This paper introduces a direct numerical method to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in porous media. The method is based on random distribution of solid rods to generate the porous media in the desired region. Navier-Stokes equations are solved in fluid region without any averaging. Both diffusion and convection terms of N.S. equations are considered and no-slip condition is applied in the neighboring of any particle. The physical configuration is a parallel plate channel with adiabatic walls or constant temperature. The energy transport equation is solved in solid particles without invoking the assumption of local thermal equilibrium. The average and local Nusselt numbers and total pressure drop are calculated in steady state flow and are compared with empirical data. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.