Numerical Investigation of Local Entropy Generation for Laminar Flow in Rotating-Disk Systems

Abstract

The entropy generation is investigated numerically in axisymmetric, steady-state, and incompressible laminar flow in a rotating single free disk. The finite-volume method is used for solving the momentum and energy equations needed for the determination of the entropy generation due to heat transfer and fluid friction. The numerical model is validated by comparing it to previously reported analytical and experimental data for momentum and energy. Results are presented in terms of velocity distribution, temperature, local entropy generation rate, Bejan number, and irreversibility ratio distribution for various rotational Reynolds number and physical cases, using dimensionless parameters. It is demonstrated that increasing rotational Reynolds number increases the local entropy generation rate and irreversibility rate, and that the irreversibility is mainly due to heat transfer while the irreversibility associated with fluid friction is minor.