Analysis of turbulent heat transfer and fluid flow in channels with various ribbed internal surfaces

Abstract

This paper presents results of a numerical investigation of heat transfer and flow pattern characteristics of a channel with repeated ribs on one broad wall. Numerical computations are performed for seven ribs placed on the bottom wall of a channel for Reynolds numbers ranging from 10,000 to 30,000. The newly modified ribs (the ones with convex pointing upstream/downstream rib, wedge pointing upstream/downstream rib, concave pointing upstream/downstream rib and also concave-concave rib as well as convex-concave rib), are proposed for simulation with prospect to reduce flow separation and extend reattachment area compared to the unmodified square rib. The numerical results are reported in forms of flow structure, temperature field, turbulent kinetic energy, Nusselt number, friction factor and thermal enhancement factor. The results indicate the rib with concave-concave surfaces efficiently suppresses flow separation bubble in the corner of the rib and induces large recirculation zone over those of the others, hence giving the highest Nusselt number and friction factor. On the other hand, the one with convex-concave surface provides the lowest friction factor with moderate Nusselt number. Due to the prominent effect of its low friction factor, the rib with convex-concave surface offers the highest thermal enhancement factor of 1.19.