| Abstract: | This communication investigates the effect of permeability variation on free convection flow and heat transfer in a porous medium bounded by a vertical porous wall. A transverse periodic variation in permeability is considered to study the effect on heat transfer rate and skin friction. The problem becomes three-dimensional due to the variation in permeability. Analytical expressions for velocity, temperature, skin friction and rate of heat transfer are obtained using the perturbation technique. Effects of permeability and suction parameters on skin friction and heat transfer is studied and it is found that the increase in permeability creates a higher heat transfer rate and greater skin friction. However, the increase in suction parameter causes the skin friction values to decrease. The results obtained will be useful in the design of steam displacement processes in oil recovery and various geothermal systems. |
