Generalized Models for Laminar Developing Flows in Heat Sinks and Heat Exchangers

Recent models for laminar friction and heat transfer in non-circular ducts and channels are reviewed. Models for both hydrodynamically and thermally developing flows are presented. These models are based on the superposition of asymptotic characteristics for short and long ducts. The non-dimensional mean wall shear stress (friction factor-Reynolds number product) and non-dimensional heat transfer coefficient (Nusselt number) are shown to be only functions of the dimensionless hydrodynamic or thermal duct length, respectively, and the duct aspect ratio. This is achieved by means of using a new transversal length scale, the square root of cross-sectional area, rather than the hydraulic diameter. Additional definitions more appropriate to single fluid devices such as heat sinks are also discussed.