Forced convectio n heat transfer in a twin cylinder system under static condition using computational approach

Abstract

The present work concentrates on the steady state forced convective heat transfer on set of cylinders in cross flow under unconfined conditions. The aim was to optimize the centre - to - centre distance between the cylinders for effective heat transfer. 2D computations were performed to solve steady state incompressible Navier - Stokes Equation for fluid flow and energy equation for heat transfer utilizing commercial software FLUENT. The iterations were performed at lower range of values of Reynolds number (10>Re>40). The centre - to centre distance, measured with reference to the diameter of the cylinders, was varied to investigate rate of heat transfer (Nusselt number) at a constant Prandtl number. It was observed that the same varies directly with the centre to centre distance but becomes almost constant beyond a certain distance. The work concludes with formulation of a regression equation of average Nusselt number as a function of centre - to - centre distance and Reynolds number. This can be used for prediction of convective heat transfer rate within the range of Reynolds number and assumed Prandtl number.