Numerical Simulation of Mixed Convection from Longitudinal Fins in a Horizontal Rectangular Channel

Abstract

A numerical investigation was undertaken to investigate heat transfer in three-dimensional laminar mixed convection heat transfer from longitudinal fins in a horizontal rectangular channel. Numerical simulations were conducted at different fin spacing, Reynolds number of 1500 and modified Rayleigh number of 4 x 107 and 2x 108 for fin to channel height ratios of 0.5 and 0.25. Validity of the modelling technique is verified by comparing computational results with corresponding experimental data from literatures. The numerical model is able to simulate the mixed convective flow through a rectangular channel subjected to constant heat flux heating boundary conditions. The predicted heat transfer coefficient and local Nusselt number distribution shows a good agreement with the experimental results and its improvement with higher channel height ratio at the expense of increased pressure drop across the longitudinal fins.