The effects of flow maldistribution caused by partial blockage of the inlet of a flat rectangular duct were studied experimentally. Local heat transfer coefficients were measured on the principal walls of the duct for two blockages and for Reynolds numbers spanning the range between 6000 and 30,000. Measurements were also made of the pressure distribution along the duct, and the fluid flow pattern was visualized by the oil-lampblack technique. Large spanwise nonuniformities of the local heat transfer coefficient were induced by the maldistributed flow. These nonuniformities persisted to far downstream locations, especially in the presence of severe inlet flow maldistributions. Spanwise-average heat transfer coefficients, evaluated from the local data, were found to be enhanced in the downstream portion of the duct due to the flow maldistribution. However, at more upstream locations, where the entering flow reattached to the duct wall following its separation at the sharp-edged inlet, the average coefficients were reduced by the presence of the maldistribution.
Effect of Cross-Sectional Aspect Ratio on Turbulent Heat Transfer in an Orthogonally Rotating Rectangular Duct.