Numerical modelling of fluid flow and heat transfer in a corrugated channel for heat exchanger applications

In this paper, the heat transfer and flow characteristics for various sinusoidal wavy channels models with different spacing ratio epsilon = s/2A and waviness parameter gamma = 2A/L are numerically investigated using the Finite Element Method (FEM) based Comsol Multiphysics software (vers.5.2). The channel length L-x and wavelength (corrugation pitch) L are maintained constant during simulations. The channel dimensions modified are the widths (at values of 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mm) and the amplitude A (at values of 0.4, 0.65, 0.8 and 1 mm). Results show that corrugated channel models with increased s values at A = 0.65 mm are affected in terms of thermal boundary layer thickness and local Nusselt number amplitude along the lower channel wall. By raising A values with s = 2 mm, the local pressure drop and friction coefficient are clearly influenced also. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.