Numerical investigation of flow and heat transfer in a channel with different configurations and alternately order obstacles

Abstract

In the present study, a numerical investigation has been made to predict the laminar flow and heat transfer through a rectangular channel with adiabatic, different configuration obstacles which are arranged alternately on the upper and lower walls of the channel. These walls are subjected to a constant heat flux 500 W/m2.  The effect of obstacles number, and obstacles shape on the flow and heat transfer characteristics with different Reynolds number (100,200,300,400,500,600and 700) have been studied. The continuity, momentum, and energy governing equations are solved by the finite volume method. The results of this study reveal that the obstacles have an obvious effect on parameters of the flow and heat transfer enhancement. The heat transfer is improved more as the obstacle's number increase. Further that, using rectangular obstacle leads to increase heat transfer rate higher than the rest of shapes for all Reynolds number tested.