Newtonian hydro-thermal fluid flow phenomena through a sudden expansion channel with or without baffles

Abstract EN

This work aims to study the different characteristics of Newtonian fluid flow and heat transfer through a 1:3 sudden expansion channel with or without plane baffles using the finite volume method.

The flow is assumed viscous, incompressible, unsteady, and laminar.

The effect of Reynolds number on recirculation characteristics and velocity profiles have been studied for a wide range of Reynold number (0.1 – 200).

The velocity and pressure profiles, skin friction coefficient, friction factor, average Nusselt number, and pumping power have been examined for both the cases.

It is observed that in the presence of baffles, the flow dynamics and heat transfer characteristics are more influenced than the case of smooth channel.

Furthermore, the enhancement of heat transfer rate is affected more when the height of the baffle is increased and the same is decreased when the thickness of the baffle is increased.