Experimental and numerical study of heat transfer downstream of an axisymmetric abrupt expansion and in a cavity of a circular tube

Abstract

This research is an experimental and numerical investigation of heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics in separated, recirculated and reattached regions created by an axisymmetric abrupt expansion and by an abrupt expansion followed by an abrupt contraction (called a “cavity”) in a circular tube at a uniform wall temperature. The flow just upstream of the expansion was unheated and proved to be fully-developed at the entrance to the heated cavity region. Local heat transfer coefficients were measured using a balance-type isothermal heat flux gage. Measurements were made at a small-to-large tube diameter ratio of d/D = 0.4 and downstream Reynolds numbers ranging from ReD = 4,300 to 44,500. Generally, the maximum Nusselt numbers downstream of an axisymmetric abrupt expansion at a uniform wall temperature occur between 9 and 12 step heights from the expansion step. Numerical simulation has been carried out by a two-equation turbulence model and its results such as mean velocity profiles and local Nusselt numbers are in good agreement with experimental results.