Bio Inspired Segmented Flow: Effect of Particle Elongation on the Heat Transfer

Abstract

This study presents numerical simulations of forced convection heat transfer with parachuteshaped segmented flow. The particles are encapsulated phasechange material flowing with water through a square crosssection duct with isoflux boundaries. The system is inspired by the gas exchange process in the alveolar capillaries between red blood cells and lung tissue. A numerical model is developed for the motion of elongated encapsulated phasechange particles along a channel in a particulate flow where particle diameters are comparable with the channel height. The heat transfer enhancement for the parachuteshaped particles is compared with that of the spherical particles. Results reveal that the snug movement of the particles has the key role in heat transfer efficiency. The parachuteshaped geometry produces small changes in the heat transfer coefficient compared to a spherical geometry. However, the parachuteshaped particle flow is more robust to changes in particle concentration inside the channel.