Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Shear Flow in an Isothermal Heat Exchanger Model

Abstract

Numerical predictions of fluid flow are reported for the isothermal, two-dimensional, axisymmetric flow in a disk-doughnut heat exchanger. The system consists of alternating and equi-spaced doughnut and disk baffles located in a pipe with water flowing in a turbulent regime. The two-equation (k–ε) turbulence model as proposed by Nagano and Hishida is modified to accommodate disc and doughnut baffles. The governing equations for steady-state flow are solved in primitive variable form using segregated pressure correction linked algorithm. Predictions are critically evaluated against available data for mean quantities.