Finite element simulations of double diffusion in a staggered cavity filled with a power-law fluid

Double diffusion refers to a phenomenon where two different components of a fluid (such as heat and mass) exhibit distinct diffusive behaviors. In this study, we employ finite element-based numerical simulations to investigate the phenomenon of double diffusion in a non-Newtonian fluid within a staggered cavity. Mathematically, this system can be understood by coupling the two-dimensional continuity, momentum, energy, and concentration equations. Since the governing equations have been written in a dimensionless form, Galerkin's finite element method is used to find a solution. The velocity profile and temperature are calculated in a function space of quadratic polynomials (P2), while the pressure is calculated in a linear (P1) finite element function space. Discrete systems of nonlinear algebraic equations are resolved through the implementation of Newton's method with appropriate damping and PARDISO solver in the inner loops for solving the sparse linear systems. In this work, the data are presented graphically in the form of streamlines, isotherms, iso-concentration, average Nusselt numbers, average Sherwood numbers, and kinetic energy distribution. Code validation and grid independence study are also provided. Moreover, convective mass transfer is significantly correlated with the Lewis number, as demonstrated by the results. As the power-law index increases, convection also exhibits enhanced as a means of transmitting heat and mass.

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