Friction Factor for Flow in Rectangular Ducts With One Side Rib-Roughened

Abstract

Numerical simulations of incompressible turbulent flow through rectangular ducts with one side rib-roughened were performed to determine pressure drop. The “PHOENICS” software package was used for the computations, which required provision of a wall function for transverse rib-roughened surfaces. The present study was conducted in the range of 105 ≤ Reynolds number ≤ 107 , 0.01 ≤ rib height to hydraulic diameter ratio ≤ 0.04, 10≤ pitch to rib height ratio ≤ 40. Using the numerical results, friction factor charts for various aspect ratios were generated. The numerical results agreed well with experimental data that was obtained for 105 < Reynolds number < 2 × 105 . In addition, a scheme for predicting friction factor using existing correlations for smooth and rough walls was developed.