Flow Field and Heat Transfer in Rectangular Channel: A Simulation Study

The flow-field and heat-transfer,in rectangular channel without and with continuous/interdigitated ribs under five typical operating conditions,were mathematically formulated with shear stress transport k-ω turbulence model,theoretically analyzed and numerically simulated.The influence of the channel structure on the friction factor and heat transfer coefficient was investigated.The simulated results show that the channel structure makes the difference.Generally speaking,in Reynolds number range of 8000 to 15000,the friction factors of channel with continuous and interdigitated ribs are 2 times and 4.8 times larger than that of smooth rectangular channel,respectively;the overall heat transfer coefficients of the channels with continuous and interdigitated ribs are 1.1 times and 1.7 times greater than that of smooth rectangular channel,respectively.In conclusion,when it comes to heat transfer enhancement,the rectangular channel with interdigitated ribs is the best among the three channels.