Convective heat transfer in a curved annular-sector duct

Abstract

A numerical analysis of heat transfer behavior in a curved annular-sector duct is presented in this article. A uniform axial heat flux and constant peripheral wall temperature boundary condition are applied in this study. The effects of three major parameters on the heat transfer process (the axial pressure gradient, the dimensionless radius ratio, and the dimensionless curvature) are systematically studied. The results indicate that completely different temperature distribution patterns are evident among the segmented duct in different locations relative to the symmetrical center line. The Nusselt number significantly increases as the pressure gradient increases. Furthermore, an increase of the dimensionless curvature will also enhance heat transfer because of a strong secondary flow. Finally, the results indicate that heat transfer is improved dramatically as the duct radius ratio decreases, especially when the duct radius ratio is smaller than 0.6.