The computation of flow and heat transfer through an orthogonally rotating square‐ended U‐bend, using low‐Reynolds‐number models

Abstract

Purpose

To assess how effectively two‐layer and low‐Reynolds‐number models of turbulence, at effective viscosity and second‐moment closure level, can predict the flow and thermal development through orthogonally rotating U‐bends.

Design/methodology/approach

Heat and fluid flow computations through a square‐ended U‐bend that rotates about an axis normal to both the main flow direction and also the axis of curvature have been carried out. Two‐layer and low‐Reynolds‐number mathematical models of turbulence are used at effective viscosity (EVM) level and also at second‐moment‐closure (DSM) level. In the two‐layer models the dissipation rate of turbulence in the new‐wall regions is obtained from the wall distance, while in the low‐Re models the transport equation for the dissipation rate is extended right up to the walls. Moreover, two length‐scale correction terms to the dissipation rate of turbulence are used with the low‐Re models, and original Yap term and a differential form that does not require the wall distance (NYap). The resulting predictions are compared with available flow measurements at a Reynolds number of 100,000 and a rotation number (ΩD/U_bl) of 0.2 and also with heat transfer measurements at a Reynolds number of 36,000, rotation number of 0.2 and Prandtl number of 5.9 (water).

Findings

While the main flow features are well reproduced by all models, the development of the mean flow within the just after the bend in better reproduced by the low‐Re models. Turbulence levels within the rotation U‐bend are under‐predicted, but DSM models produce a more realistic distribution. Along the leading side all models over‐predict heat transfer levels just after the bend. Along the trailing side, the heat transfer predictions of the fully low‐Re DSM with the differential length‐scale correction term NYap are close to the measurements, with an average error of around 10 per cent, though at the bend exit it rises to 25 per cent. The introduction of a differential form of the length‐scale correction term to improve the heat transfer predictions of both low‐Re models.

Research/limitations/implications

The numerical models assumed that the flow remains steady and is not affected by large‐scale, low frequency fluctuations. Unsteady RANS computations or LES must also be tested in the future.

Originality/value

This work has expanded the range of complex turbulent flow over which the effectiveness of RANS models has been tested, to internal cooling flows simultaneously affected by orthogonal rotation and strong curvature.

Citation

Nikas, K.P. and Iacovides, H. (2006), "The computation of flow and heat transfer through an orthogonally rotating square‐ended U‐bend, using low‐Reynolds‐number models", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 16 No. 7, pp. 827-844. https://doi.org/10.1108/09615530610683539