Numerical Analyses of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in a Corrugated Duct

Abstract

Steady laminar two-dimensional and forced convection in a corrugated duct with different configurations and flow conditions were investigated numerically. The full Naiver-Stokes and energy equation were considered. These equations have been solved using the finite element method. Flow-fields were obtained for various flow conditions. The flow patterns and reattachment indicate a firm agreement with those in the literature. It has been noticed that the maximum value of the local Nusselt number occurs near the reattachment point. The 45-to-50-degree corrugation angle provides the heights Nusselt number by 1 to 2 percent and the lowest pressure drop compared to larger or smaller angles. The influence of the Prandtl number on the thermal performance was considered, as the Prandtl number increases the average Nusselt number grows. The enhancing performance of heat transfer rate is more effective for Pr <1.