Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Heat Transfer to Near-Critical Water in a Curved Pipe
Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the developing turbulent flow and heat transfer characteristics of water near the critical point in a curved pipe. The Reynolds stress model is employed to simulate the turbulent flow and heat transfer in a curved pipe at a constant wall temperature with or without buoyancy force effect. Due to the great variation in physical properties of water near the critical point, the turbulent heat transfer can be significantly altered as compared with the pure force convection in the curved pipe. This study explores the influence of the near-critical pressure on the development of fluid flow and heat transfer along the pipe. Based on the results of this research, the development of velocity, temperature, and heat transfer coefficient along the pipe are presented graphically and analyzed.