Solution of inverse free convection problems by conjugate gradient method: Effects of Rayleigh number (Q5936344)

This paper considers the inverse free convection problem by applying the adjoint equation and conjugate gradient method to determine unknown space- and time-dependent boundary heat flux on the side of a square enclosure from temperature measurements by sensors. Within the Boussinesq fluid flow model, the authors examine the effects of free convection on stability and accuracy of inverse solution in terms of Rayleigh number and sensor position. The governing equations are solved by control volumes, and the solutions are presented for different types of boundary conditions and for a wide range of Rayleigh numbers. The authors find that a time-dependent heat flux can be adequately predicted with a single sensor, which must be placed closed to the active boundary as Rayleigh number increases. Also, the quality of the prediction is strongly dependent on Rayleigh number and on the location of the sensor, as well as on conditions imposed on the boundaries.