Heat Transfer Around Sharp 180 Degree Turns in Smooth Rectangular Channels

Abstract

Measured Nusselt numbers are presented for forced convection within and around sharp 180 degree turns in smooth channels of rectangular cross section. Separately determined top wall, bottom wall, and side wall values are presented individually along with azimuthal averages. The geometry of the channels and connecting turn is characterized by parameters W*, the ratio of upstream and downstream channel widths; D*, the non-dimensional channel depth; and H*, the nondimensional clearance at the tip of the turn. Results from nine combinations of these parameters are presented at several values of channel Reynolds number to illustrate the effect of turn geometry on the heat transfer distributions.