Numerical simulation of mixed convective flow over a three-dimensional horizontal backward facing step

Laminar mixed convective flow over a three-dimensional horizontal backward-facing step heated from below at a constant temperature was numerically simulated using a finite volume technique and the most relevant hydrodynamic and thermal features for air flowing through the channel are presented in this work. The channel considered in this work has an aspect ratio AR=4, and an expansion ratio, ER=2, while the total length in the streamwise direction is 52 times the step height (L=52 s) and the step length is equal to 2 times the step height (1=2 s). The flow at the duct entrance was considered to be hydrodynamically fully developed and isothermal. The bottom wall of the channel was subjected to a constant high temperature while the other walls were treated to be adiabatic. The step was considered to be a thermally conducting block.