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CFD analysis of thermal plume behavior under diagonal heat source orientation
Sagar Mane Deshmukh1, Mithul Naidu2, Jitendra Singh Pal3
1Mechanical Engineering Department, Tolani Maritime Institute, Induri, Pune, 410507, India. sagarm@tmi.tolani.edu.
Scientific Reports
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations reveal how heat sources in confined spaces create thermal plumes. Source location significantly impacts heat spread, crucial for designing effective fire detection and suppression systems.
Area of Science:
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
- Heat Transfer
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Confined fire environments in marine and industrial settings pose significant safety risks due to rapid heat buildup and limited ventilation.
- Accurate modeling of heat propagation and plume development is essential for designing effective thermal detection and mist-based fire suppression systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate buoyancy-driven heat transfer and plume behavior in a confined space using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
- To assess the influence of heat source location on thermal plume development and heat transport characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A 2D transient CFD analysis was performed on a closed container with a heat source.
- Natural convection was modeled to capture plume rise, entrainment, and thermal stratification.
- The heat source was positioned at four different diagonal locations to study orientation effects.
Main Results:
- Strong buoyancy-driven thermal plumes were observed, with peak velocities ranging from 0.9-1.3 m/s.
- Lower heat source positions resulted in taller plumes, while upper positions led to ceiling jets and enhanced lateral heat transport.
- Simulations showed localized high-temperature zones, reduced air density in plume cores, and significant turbulent kinetic energy in shear layers.
Conclusions:
- Heat source orientation critically influences plume behavior and heat distribution within confined spaces.
- The findings provide valuable design insights for fire detection and suppression systems in enclosed environments.
- Further validation under realistic conditions is recommended for practical application in marine and industrial compartments.
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