A Finite-Element Technique to Determine the Friction Factor and Heat Transfer for Laminar Flow in a Pipe with Irregular Cross Section

Abstract

A numerical analysis is developed to predict friction factors and heat transfer coefficients in a pipe with irregular cross section such as that occurring in underground, pipe-type electric cable systems. The analysis employs the finite-element method, which can be easily applied to irregular geometries and nonuniform meshes. The numerical solutions substantially agree with experimental results. The value of f Re is a function of configuration. The Nusselt number is strongly dependent on the Rayleigh number and the cable configuration, both of which affect the secondary flow.