Analysis of Laminar Mixed Convective Heat Transfer in Horizontal Triangular Ducts

Abstract

Numerical simulations for fluid flow and heat transfer in triangular ducts are carried out. Flow is considered to be laminar, hydrodynamically, and thermally developing. Heat transfer by both forced and natural convection is taken into account. Simulations are carried out for constant wall temperature cases which are at a higher temperature than the inlet temperature of the fluid. The effect of Rayleigh number on bulk mean temperature and Nusselt number is studied. Isotherm and secondary velocity profile formed because of natural convection is shown at different locations with varying Rayleigh number. The effect of the apex angle of the triangular duct on Nusselt number and bulk mean temperature is studied. Results are compared with the cases of mixed convective heat transfer in a square duct.