Two-dimensional direct numerical simulations of partitioned thermal convection are performed using the thermal lattice Boltzmann method for the Rayleigh number (Ra) of 109 and the Prandtl number (Pr) of 7.02 (water). The influence of the partition walls on the thermal boundary layer is mainly focused on. Moreover, to better describe the spatially nonuniform thermal boundary layer, the definition of the thermal boundary layer is extended. The numerical simulation results show that the gap length significantly affects the thermal boundary layer and Nusselt number (Nu). The gap length and partition wall thickness have a coupled effect on the thermal boundary layer and the heat flux. Based on the shape of the thermal boundary layer distribution, two different heat transfer models are identified at different gap lengths. This study provides a basis for improving the understanding of the effect of partitions on the thermal boundary layer in thermal convection.
Keywords: gap length; partition wall; thermal boundary layer; thermal convection.