Numerical Simulation of Capillary Convection with Encapsulated Phase-Change Particles

Abstract

This study presents preliminary numerical simulations of forced convection with encapsulated phase-change material (EPCM) particles suspended in water, flowing through a square cross-section duct with top and bottom isoflux surfaces. The EPCM particles fit snugly in the channel, mimicking the flow of red blood cells and plasma in alveolar capillaries. Results for particles of different diameters show the snug fitting to yield enhanced heat transfer. The numerical results also seem to indicate the existence of an optimum number of particles for maximum heat transfer coefficient, a result of the interplay of flow circulation and heat transfer competition as the number of particles is changed in the channel.