Entropy Analysis in Pipe Flow Subjected to External Heating

Iyad Al-Zaharnah

doi:10.3390/e5050391

Abstract

In the present study, heat transfer and entropy analysis for flow through a pipe system is considered. The Reynolds number and the pipe wall temperature effects on entropy distribution and total entropy generation in the pipe are investigated. Numerical scheme employing a control volume approach is introduced when solving the governing equations. Steel is selected as pipe material, while water is used as fluid. It is found that increasing pipe wall temperature and Reynolds number increases the entropy production rate, in which case, entropy generation due to heat transfer dominates over that corresponding to fluid friction.

Highlights

Flow through pipes finds wide applications in industry
Flow through a heated pipe and entropy generation in the flow system is presented for three outer wall temperatures (500 K, 750 K and 1000K) and three Reynolds numbers (10000, 30000 and 50000)
Steel pipe is selected as pipe material, while water is considered as fluid

Summary

Introduction

Flow through pipes finds wide applications in industry. The flow and heat transfer characteristics can be further improved through studying irreversibilities associated in the flow system. Since the entropy analysis provides insight into the irreversibility associated in a thermal system, the present study in conducted to investigate the entropy generation in the pipe flow. Investigation into influence of the Reynolds number and pipe wall temperature on the entropy generation is necessary.

Results

Conclusion