Numerical simulation of vortex structures and heat transfer behind a hill in a laminar boundary layer

Abstract

AbstractThe present study examines a three‐dimensional numerical simulation of vortex structures and heat transfer behind a hill mounted in a laminar boundary layer. A vortex pair is formed symmetrically in the separation bubble behind the hill, and a hairpin vortex is periodically shed in the wake. The hairpin vortex moves downstream with time, and the gradient of the head of the hairpin vortex increases. Further downstream, the hairpin vortex is deformed to an Ω‐shaped structure. In the growth process of the hairpin vortex, horn‐shaped secondary vortices grow near the wall. The dissipation rate of the temperature fluctuation around the hairpin vortex increases because the heated fluid near the wall is removed to the free stream by Q2 ejection. Heat transfer increases due to the legs of the hairpin vortex and secondary vortices. These vortices generate high turbulence in the flow field and also contribute to an increase in Reynolds shear stress and turbulent heat flux. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 37(7): 398–411, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20217