Numerical and experimental studies on laminar forced convective heat transfer in a channel with surface-mounted heated blocks

The steady separated flow due to heated blocks mounted on one principal wall of a two-dimensional channel has been numerically and experimentally studied. Numerical solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations using the finite-difference and the power-law techniques have been obtained up to a Reynolds number of 2600. The effects of the Reynolds number and the block spacing on the fluid flow and heat transfer are investigated in detail. Results show that there exists two different types of flow between blocks, the D-type and the K-type flows. Furthermore, the Nusselt number monotonously increases or decreases along every face of the blocks. The calculated results of the reattachment length behind the second block and the local Nusselt number distribution compare well with the results obtained by the LDV and the naphthalene sublimation measurements, respectively. Heat transfer correlating equations are presented in terms of the Reynolds number and the block spacing.