Secondary flow structure and thermal behaviour of immiscible two-phase fluid flow in curved channels

Abstract

This paper investigates the behaviour of two non-mixing fluids flowing in a heated curved channel. In simulating this immiscible fluid flow, a multi-phase model based on VOF approach is developed for steady, turbulent, incompressible fluid flow through curved channel. The analysis examines the influence of centrifugal forces arising from channel curvature on the phase distribution and flow patterns, and their impact on the thermal characteristics. Unique flow features are identified through the interactions between the fluid phases and vortex structures of the immiscible flow in curved channels. The convective heat transfer in curved channel is appraised in relation to the behaviour of fluid components and curved channel flow parameters. Finally, the study presents a Second-Law irreversibility analysis whereby a thermal optimisation technique is developed for immiscible fluid flow through heated curved channels.