Combined Experimental and Numerical Flow Field Study of Inclined Louvered Fins

In this study the flow behavior within an interrupted fin design, the inclined louvered fin, is investigated experimentally through visualization and numerically through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The inclined louvered fin is a hybrid of the offset strip fin and standard louvered...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Heat transfer engineering 2011-01, Vol.32 (2), p.1756
Main Authors: T'Joen, Christophe, Huisseune, Henk, Willockx, Arnout, Canière, Hugo, De Paepe, Michel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Fluid dynamics
Heat exchangers
Heat transfer
Numerical analysis
Reynolds number
Simulation
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In this study the flow behavior within an interrupted fin design, the inclined louvered fin, is investigated experimentally through visualization and numerically through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The inclined louvered fin is a hybrid of the offset strip fin and standard louvered fin, aimed at improved performance at low Reynolds numbers for compact heat exchangers. The flow behavior is studied in six geometrically different configurations over a range of Reynolds numbers and quantified using the concept of "fin angle alignment factor," which is related to the flow efficiency in louvered fins. The experimental data resulted in a discrete data set of local fin angle alignment factor values, which were used to validate the simulations. Using these validated cases it is shown that the graphical measurement method can be distorted by recirculation zones, resulting in erroneous values. Care should thus be taken when performing graphical measurement of the mean flow angle based on dye injection images. The transition from steady laminar to unsteady flow in inclined louvered fins is geometrically triggered and occurs at lower Reynolds numbers compared to slit fins and standard louvered fins. This property can potentially be used to further improve on the performance of interrupted fin surfaces. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0145-7632
1521-0537