A Simulative Study on the Impact of Physical Property Parametersupon Flow and Heat Transfer in Annular Space

Through finite volume method, this study establishes a steady state flow and heat transfer model of a single phase flow flowing vertically upward in annular space. The model sets the inner cylinder of the annular space as a heating body with fixed heat generation rate. Flow and heat transfer boundary layers are set between the flow and the inner cylinder wall, in order to give more accurate description of momentum and heat coupling and transfer processes between the fluid and the solid near the wall. Compared with the constant physical property model, the variable physical property model, in which the fluid density, heat transfer coefficient, and viscosity change along with the temperature, has relatively lower heat transfer capacity and a little bit lower interface shear stress between the fluid and the solid heat transfer surfaces. Through the comparison between Re and Ri of the constant physical property model and the variable physical properties model, it can be concluded that the physical property changes of the fluid have gradually lower impact on flow and heat transfer processes along with the acceleration of the forced circulation of the fluid.