Numerical simulation of flow and heat transfer in a pipe with nail-shaped hurdles

Abstract

We investigate fluid flow and heat transfer in a channel obstructed by nail-shaped hurdles under forced convection using the Finite Difference Method. Due to the absence of an analytical solution, numerical techniques are employed. The channel is geometrically transformed into a rectangular configuration using curvilinear coordinates. Elliptic grid generation is used to discretize the domain. The Navier–Stokes equations are reformulated through the vorticity stream function formulation, and the Finite Difference Method incorporates a coordinate transformation approach. Effects of Reynolds numbers between (20≤Re≤600), Prandtl numbers (0.71,17.1), and nail spans (0.1≤h≤0.7) on velocity, temperature profiles is studied. Local and Average Nusselt numbers on Nail-shaped hurdle are also calculated. The observed maximum Nusselt numbers are 13.49,27.83, and 11.86 at Ra=600,Pr=7.1, and h=0.1, respectively Results show that higher Reynolds and Prandtl numbers increase Nusselt numbers, enhancing heat transfer. Narrower nail spans improve heat transfer efficiency.