Author(s)

A Horvat, M Rizzi & I Catton

Abstract

The present paper describes construction of an algorithm for conjugate heat transfer calculations in order to find the most suitable form for a heat sink. Applying Volume Averaging Theory (VAT) to a system of transport equations, a heat exchanger structure was modeled as a homogeneous porous media. The example numerical simulations were performed for test sections with isothermal structure as well as with heat conducting Al pin-fins. The geometry of the simulation domain and boundary conditions followed the geometry of the experimental test section used in the Morrin-Martinelli-Gier Memorial Heat Transfer Laboratory at University of California, Los Angeles. The comparison of the drag coefficient Cd, as a function of Reynolds number Reh, reveals good agreement with already published data, whereas the comparison of the Nusselt number distributions shows much larger discrepancies. Finite conductivity of a solid phase decreases the heat transfer coefficient and the Nusselt number. The influence of conductivity becomes larger with increasing Reynolds number.

Keywords