Application of acoustic vibration promotes heat transfer of high-viscosity fluid in a container

Abstract

The inferior fluidity of high-viscosity liquids hinders their efficacy in heat transfer, resulting in non-uniform heat distribution and occasional overheating, which significantly impairs process and product quality. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of acoustic vibrations on heat transfer in sealed containers containing high-viscosity fluids by employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD). We established a VOF model and validated it through experiments. Through the collaborative analysis of the velocity field and temperature field, the mechanism of vibration-enhanced heat transfer was revealed. The results of the study indicate that acoustic vibration can enhance convective flow and improve field synergy between the temperature and velocity fields, leading to improved temperature uniformity and heat transfer efficiency. Heat transfer efficiency shows a positive correlation with vibration frequency and amplitude, though no significant correspondence is found with vibration acceleration. Within a certain range, the heat transfer efficiency is more sensitive to the changes in low amplitude or the changes in high frequency. Within a certain range of acceleration, large amplitude with low frequency has a better effect on heat transfer. Finally, we developed a functional relationship between heat transfer efficiency and vibration parameters to predict the heat transfer effect under different parameters, providing suggestions for specific process optimization.