Field synergy and thermodynamic evaluation of a mini-duct with several protrusions utilizing the cross-flow method: A numerical exercise

Abstract

The field synergy and entropy generation analysis of turbulent flow in a mini rectangular duct featuring surface protrusions has been numerically explored in a finite volume approach. The governing differential is solved iteratively using adequate numerical boundary conditions and a second-order upwind technique. In the post-processing, entropy generation, and irreversibilities are measured. The duct Reynolds number (ReDh, duct) has been varied from 17,831 to 53,492 at a fixed nozzle Reynolds number (ReDh, nz) of 5104. The effects of the duct Reynolds number on the thermal and frictional irreversibility have been quantified. Thermal, frictional, and total irreversibilities have been reported to rise with ReDh, duct. Furthermore, it is discovered that thermal irreversibility dominates over frictional irreversibility. It has been found that conducting triangular protrusions creates more entropy than conducting rectangular protrusions. Filed synergy analysis has also been carried out by integrating the energy equation. Heat transfer rate has been seen to increase with synergy angle (α). Triangular protrusions have a greater field synergy angle (α) than rectangular protrusions.