Research Article Open Access

3D Numerical Study on Laminar Forced Convection in V-Baffled Square Channel

Amnart Boonloi1 and Withada Jedsadaratanachai2
  • 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, College of Industrial Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok 10800, Thailand
  • 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand

Abstract

The article presents a mathematical study of fully developed periodic laminar flow visualization and heat transfer characteristics in an isothermal wall square-channel fitted with V-shaped baffles on one wall. The computations based on the finite volume method together with the SIMPLE algorithm have been performed. The investigation covers a range of Re based on the hydraulic diameter of the channel, Re = 100-1200. To create a pair of main streamwise vortex flows through the tested section, the V-baffles with the attack angle of 30° with the main flow direction are mounted in tandem and pointing downstream on the lower channel wall only. Effects of different baffle heights and pitches on heat transfer and pressure drop in the channel are examined and the results obtained are compared with smooth channel with no baffle. The numerical result shows that the presence of the V-baffle yields a significant heat transfer enhancement compared with the smooth channel. It is visible that the main vortex flows, a pair of streamwise twisted vortex (P-vortex) can induce impingement flows on the walls leading to a drastic increase in heat transfer rate over the channel. In addition, the increase in the baffle height leads to the rise in the heat transfer and pressure loss while that in the baffle pitch provides the opposite trend. The predicted results expose that the maximum thermal enhancement factors for the V-baffles with BR = 0.3, 0.3 and 0.4; and PR = 1, 1.5 and 2 are, respectively, about 2.44, 2.29 and 2.37 at higher Re.

American Journal of Applied Sciences
Volume 10 No. 10, 2013, 1287-1297

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2013.1287.1297

Submitted On: 9 February 2013 Published On: 6 September 2013

How to Cite: Boonloi, A. & Jedsadaratanachai, W. (2013). 3D Numerical Study on Laminar Forced Convection in V-Baffled Square Channel. American Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(10), 1287-1297. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajassp.2013.1287.1297

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Keywords

  • Periodic Flow
  • Square Channel
  • Laminar Flow
  • Heat Transfer
  • V-Shaped Baffle