Heat Transfer Measurements inside Narrow Channels with Ribs and Trenches

Abstract

ABSTRACTDetailed heat transfer coefficient distributions are obtained for high aspect ratio (width/height = 12.5) duct with rib and trench enhancement features oriented normal to the coolant flow direction. A transient thermochromic liquid crystal technique has been used to experimentally measure heat transfer coefficients from which Nusselt numbers are calculated on the duct surface featuring heat transfer enhancement features. Reynolds number (calculated based on duct hydraulic diameter) ranging from 7100 to 22400 were experimentally investigated. Detailed measurements of heat transfer provided insight into the role of protruding ribs and trenches on the fluid dynamics in the duct. Experimentally obtained Nusselt numbers are normalized by Dittus-Boelter correlation for developed turbulent flow in circular duct. The triangular trenches provide heat transfer enhancement ratios up to 1.9 for low Reynolds numbers. The in-line rib configuration shows similar levels to the trench whereas staggered rib configuration provides heat transfer enhancement ratios up to 2.2 for a low Reynolds number of 7100.