Large Eddy Simulation Investigation of Flow and Heat Transfer in a Channel With Dimples and Protrusions

Abstract

Large eddy simulation calculations are conducted for flow in a channel with dimples and protrusions on opposite walls with both surfaces heated at three Reynolds numbers, ReH=220, 940, and 9300, ranging from laminar, weakly turbulent, to fully turbulent, respectively. Turbulence generated by the separated shear layer in the dimple and along the downstream rim of the dimple is primarily responsible for heat transfer augmentation on the dimple surface. On the other hand, augmentation on the protrusion surface is mostly driven by flow impingement and flow acceleration between protrusions, while the turbulence generated in the wake has a secondary effect. Heat transfer augmentation ratios of 0.99 at ReH=220,2.9 at ReH=940, and 2.5 at ReH=9300 are obtained. Both skin friction and form losses contribute to pressure drop in the channel. Form losses increase from 45% to 80% with increasing Reynolds number. Friction coefficient augmentation ratios of 1.67, 4.82, and 6.37 are obtained at ReH=220, 940, and 9300, respectively. Based on the geometry studied, it is found that dimples and protrusions may not be viable heat transfer augmentation surfaces when the flow is steady and laminar.