Numerical simulation of optimizing configuration of hollow caly bricks

The equivalent thermal conductivities of 50 kinds of hollow clay bricks with the size of 240 × 115 × 90 (in mm) and different hole number and arrangement have been predicted numerically by the finite volume method. The influences of the hole surface radiation and the indoor-outdoor temperature difference are also considered. The results reveal that the hole surface radiation can not be neglected. The hole number and arrangement have significant effects on the equivalent thermal conductivity. There is an optimal configuration for which the equivalent thermal conductivity is the lowest. For this optimum configuration its equivalent thermal conductivity does not vary with the indoor-outdoor temperature difference. The simulation results provide valuable data for the hollow brick design in the building engineering.