Thermal Performance of Microchannels with Patterned Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces Under Laminar Flow

Abstract

This article presents the simulation results and the effects of slip length and fractal ratio on patterned super-hydrophobic surfaces in microchannels under laminar flow conditions. The effects of using different slip length ratios and fractal ratios on patterned surfaces were simulated numerically at two Reynolds number values. Dimensionless parameters such as Nusselt number, friction factor, and performance efficiency indicator were used to study the effects of boundary conditions (i.e., surface features) on microchannel thermal performance. The results show that the flow structure within a patterned microchannel experiences flow fluctuations near the wall boundary caused by the super-hydrophobic surface. The results also indicate that patterned surfaces with high slip length enhance heat transfer performance and reduce pressure drop.