Influences of RVG Positions on the Periodic Flow Profiles

The effects on the positions of rib vortex generators (RVGs) for periodic laminar flow behavior are presented numerically in three-dimensional. The RVGs with constant blockage ratio (b/H, BR = 0.15), the pitch ratio (P/H, PR = 1), and flow attack angle (α=30°) are inserted in isothermal walls of the square channel. The SIMPLE algorithm and the finite volume method (FVM) are applied for the computational domain. The influences of different gap ratios (g/H= 0–0.35) for Reynolds number based on the hydraulic diameter (Dh), Re = 100–1200, are investigated. It is found that the flow profiles can be divided into two parts; the first, similar in flow configuration, but different inu/u0values, is called “periodic flow” and the second, similar in both flow configuration andu/u0values, is called “fully developed periodic flow.” The results reveal that the periodic flow profiles appear around 2nd-3rd modules while the fully developed flow profiles occur around 6th–9th modules. In addition, the periodic flow profiles and fully developed periodic flow profiles become faster in case of the lowest continuous flow area (g/H= 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30) and the regimes close to the RVG.

3D Simulation on Flow Behavior and Heat Transfer in a Circular Tube with Inclined Different Arrangement of Thin Rib

This work deals with periodic flow, friction loss and heat transfer characteristics in a constant temperature-surfaced circular tube fitted with rib vortex generators (RVG). The computations are based on the finite volume method with the SIMPLE algorithm implemented. The fluid flow and heat transfer behaviors are presented for Reynolds numbers ranging from 100 to 1000. To generate two main vortex flows through the tested section, the 45o RVGs are mounted repeatedly in in-line arrangements on the top and bottom walls and in the central area of the tested section. Effects of different RVG heights, BR in a range from 0.1D to 0.3D with a single pitch of 1.5D on heat transfer and friction losses in the test section are examined. It is apparent that the vortex flows created by the RVG exist and help to induce periodically impinging flows on a sidewall leading to drastic increase in the heat transfer rate over the test section. The computational results reveal that the optimum thermal performance is about 2.38 for using the RVG height of 0.2D for the RVG placed on the tube walls at the highest Re value.

Large Eddy Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer in a Staggered 45° Ribbed Duct

Results from large eddy simulation (LES) of fully developed flow in a staggered 45° ribbed duct are presented with rib pitch-to-height ratio P/e = 10 and a rib height to hydraulic diameter ratio e/Dh = 0.1. The nominal Reynolds number based on bulk velocity is 47,300. Mean flow and turbulent quantities, together with heat transfer and friction augmentation results are presented. The flow is characterized by a helical vortex behind each rib and a complementary cross-sectional secondary flow, both of which result from the angle of the rib with respect to the mean flow. Averaged velocity profiles at the duct center show excellent agreement with experiments and heat transfer predictions agree well with experiments. Turbulent kinetic energy, shear stress, and heat transfer augmentation ratios show a strong correlation to the rib vortex and the secondary flow. Overall, heat transfer is augmented by a factor of 2.3 compared with a smooth duct and matches experimental data within 2%.