Numerical study of forced convection around heated horizontal triangular ducts

Abstract

Laminar forced convection heat transfer around horizontal triangular cross section ducts in air is investigated numerically. Equilateral triangle ducts of different cross section dimensions are investigated. The ducts are positioned such that the vertex of the triangle is facing the flow. The computational procedure is based on the finite element technique. Results are presented in the form of streamlines and temperature contour plots around the circumference of the ducts. Heat transfer data are generated and presented in terms of the average Nusselt number versus the Reynolds number, and the drag coefficient is also presented versus the Reynolds number and validated by comparing with that of a circular cylinder in cross flow. General correlations of Nusselt numbers in terms of wide ranges of the Reynolds number are obtained. Comprehensive discussion is also reported about the development of wakes downstream at the rear of the ducts.