An analysis of the effect of plate thickness on laminar flow and heat transfer in interrupted-plate passages

Abstract

An analysis is presented for the flow and heat transfer in an interrupted-plate passage, which is an idealization of the offset-fin heat exchanger. The plates are considered to be of finite thickness. The effect of the plate thickness on the flow field and heat transfer is investigated through numerical solutions of the governing equations. The flow field is found to be quite complex. It contains recirculation zones behind the trailing edges of the plates, and there occurs significant deflection of the through flow. Whereas this greatly increases the pressure drop required for a given flow rate, the heat transfer from the thick plates does not improve sufficiently. Detailed results are presented for a number of thickness ratios and for a range of the Reynolds number. The overall results are compared with available experimental data.