Mass transfer enhancement by pulsatile flows in grooved channels (the effects of groove length on the resonant mass transfer enhancement)

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of groove length on the resonant mass transfer enhancement by pulsatile flow in grooved channel at intermediate Reynolds number was studied for five channels using experimental methods. The mass transport processes from the bottom of the groove to the channel were visualized by an electrolytic precipitation method, and overall and local mass transfer rates were measured by electrochemical methods with a high Schmidt number fluid. The qualitative and quantitative observations show that the range of Strouhal numbers, which gives inertia‐dominated flow, is extended to the low‐value region with groove length. Moreover, it is revealed that a noticeable enhancement is obtained in a specific channel at a Reynolds number for a wide range of Strouhal numbers. The results indicate that there is a specific Reynolds number for transfer enhancement in a channel. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(4): 240–257, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20197