Numerical Study of Developing Flow and Heat Transfer in a Wavy Passage

Abstract

Developing flow and heat transfer in a wavy passage are studied using a numerical scheme that solves the two-dimensional unsteady flow and energy equations. Calculations are presented for a wavy channel consisting of 14 waves. Time-dependent simulations have been performed for several Reynolds numbers. At low Reynolds numbers, the flow is steady in the complete channel. As the Reynolds number is progressively increased, the flow becomes unsteady. As a result of the unsteadiness, there is increased mixing between the core and the wall fluids, thereby increasing the heat transfer rate. With further increase in Reynolds number, the flow becomes unsteady at a much earlier spatial location.