Generalized Lévêque Solution for Ducts of Arbitrary Cross Section

Abstract

The asymptotic limit for perimeter averaged convection is generalized for short ducts of arbitrary cross section. A correction factor to Lévêque's original analysis is derived in terms of the state of wall shear stress under conditions of fully developed flows for walls of constant temperature (T) and constant heat flux (H1 and H2). This analysis is performed for four duct geometries: elliptic, rhombic, rectangular, and regular polygons. The magnitude of this correction is greatest for the H2 wall condition and for ducts having walls with acute corners. The results of this analysis can be incorporated into a generalized correlation for the full Graetz problem in ducts of arbitrary cross section.