Simulations of turbulent convection flow adjacent to a two dimensional backward-facing step are presented to explore the effects of step height, step inclination angle, a mounted rib and Prandtl number on velocity field and heat transfer. Reynolds number and duct’s height downstream from the step are kept constant at Re0 = 28000 and H = 0.19m, respectively. Uniform and constant heat flux of qw = 270W/m2 is specified at the stepped wall downstream from the step, while other walls are treated as adiabatic. The selection of the values for these parameters is motivated by the fact that measurements are available for this geometry and they can be used to validate the flow and heat transfer simulation code. The simulated results compare very well the measurements. The primary and secondary recirculation regions increase in size as the step height increases. The friction coefficient becomes smaller in magnitude with the increase of the step height. The peak Stanton number becomes smaller as the step height increases. The reattachment location becomes longer as the step inclination angle increases. With increase of the step inclination angle, the secondary recirculation region disappears. The peak friction coefficient inside the primary recirculation region becomes smaller as the step inclination angle decreases. Installation of a baffle on the upper wall causes the primary recirculation region to become smaller. The Stanton number decreases as the Prandtl number increases.
Laminar heat transfer behind a backward-facing step. Numerical investigation of Prandtl number influence.