Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer and Natural Convection Performance in Radiators
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Abstract
Radiators are widely used in heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, and their thermal performance is closely related to the natural convection and heat transfer characteristics. In this paper, a three-dimensional model of a radiator with a flat panel and a circular tube is established, and the heat transfer and natural convection performance are simulated by computational fluid dynamics. The streamline distribution and temperature field around the radiator are analyzed. The simulation results show that the flow rises along the vertical panel due to buoyancy, and a thermal plume is formed above the radiator. The velocity magnitude in the plume region is higher than that in the far field, and the temperature decreases gradually from the tube surface to the surrounding air. A low-velocity recirculation zone appears near the tube outlet, which indicates the presence of local flow separation. A table of key thermal parameters is provided, and several governing equations are used to describe the heat transfer and flow behavior. The results can provide reference for the design and optimization of radiators in heating and cooling systems.
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