Impact of fluid–structure interaction on unsteady flow within wavy-heated wall cavity

Purpose This study aims to explore impact of fluid−structure interaction (FSI) analysis on the unsteady convection heat transfer in wavy-heated wall cavity. Design/methodology/approach The arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian approach within an unstructured mesh and the finite-element method are used to determine the governing partial differential equation. Findings A number of factors influence the thermal design and formation of circulation flow, including Rayleigh number, wall flexibility, amplitude and undulations. Changes in the undulation number and flexible wall can have a notable impact, especially in the core regions and near the hot wall. One and two undulation at large amplitude and high Rayleigh number cases penetrated toward improved heat transfer and the appearance of flexible surfaces. Originality/value This study presents a novel computational investigation of FSI effects on unsteady flow and heat transfer dynamics in wavy-walled cavities, addressing the gap in prior rigid-boundary assumptions by incorporating dynamic wall deformation. By coupling advanced numerical modeling of transient fluid dynamics and structural elasticity, the work uniquely examines how time-dependent interactions between a flexible right wall and natural convection alter thermal performance, flow instabilities and momentum transfer in wavy geometries. The analysis reveals how structural deformation modulates heat transfer efficiency under unsteady conditions.