APPLICATION OF GROOVED FINS TO ENHANCE FORCED CONVECTION TO TRANSVERSE FLOW

Abstract

A numerical study is performed to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of a two-dimensional forced convection over a plate with protruded transverse groove fins. The study is made for four geometries, five different Reynolds numbers, and for more groove fins with smaller size. Numerical analysis is carried out to investigate the flow patterns, isotherms, heat transfer rates, and the effectiveness of the increased grooves. Local Nusselt number and total heat transfer rate are calculated and the average Nusselt number is correlated as a function of Reynolds and Prandtl numbers. Protruded grooves yield a much larger heat transfer rate than a flat plate owing to flow penetration into the groove. Grooved fins with protruded mounting are suitable for heat transfer enhancement, and the total length is recommended not to exceed the reattachment length significantly. The derived correlations and physical considerations may be used when designing grooved plates to enhance heat transfer.