Visualization of flow and heat transfer characteristics for swirling impinging jet

Flow and heat transfer characteristics of swirling impinging jet (SIJ) were studied experimentally at constant nozzle-to-plate distance of L = 4D. The swirling jet is generated by inserting twisted tapes within a pipe nozzle. Effects of swirl on the impinged surface are investigated at twist ratios (y/W) of infinity (straight tape), 3.64, 2.27, 1.82, and 1.52. The flow patterns of the free swirling jet and the swirling impinging jet were visualized by mixing dye with the jet flow. Distributions of temperature and convective heat transfer coefficient on the impinged surface were measured with thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) sheet and image processing technique. Additionally, an oil film technique was performed as a complementary technique for flow visualization on the impinged surface. The experimental results reveal that there appear to be two peaks of heat transfer in the jet impingement region. The heat transfer enhancements in jet impingement region can be achieved at a low twist ratio of 3.64 which corresponds to the swirl number of 0.4. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.