Abstract

Deviations in heat transfer predictions by classical theory for single-phase laminar flow in microchannels have been mainly attributed to surface roughness, deviations in channel dimensions, errors in measurement, entrance and exit effects. Identifying correct thermal boundary conditions in a given application also plays an important role in accurate estimation of heat transfer coefficients. Different thermal boundary conditions generally applied in fluid domain are: T, H1, and H2. However, there are very few solutions available for the heat transfer under the H2 boundary condition which is the most applicable thermal boundary condition in many microchannel heat exchangers. The current work aimed at addressing two outstanding issues in this field: (i) predicting heat transfer rate in rectangular channels under H2 boundary conditions, and (ii) numerically studying the effects of structured roughness on pressure drop and heat transfer. A numerical model is developed to predict accurate fluid flow and heat transfer effects in microchannels under H2 boundary condition. Numerical data sets are generated for rectangular microchannels with different heated wall configurations. Although the results are seen as relevant in microscale applications, they are applicable to any sized channels. Based on the numerical results obtained for a wide range of aspect ratios, generalized correlations for fully developed laminar Nusselt number as a function of channel aspect ratio are presented for all the cases. This information can provide better understanding and insight into the transport processes in the microchannels. Surface roughness effects in conventional ducts are minimal whereas for the micro-sized channel, the roughness effects needs to be taken into account for laminar flow. Developing a better insight of the fundamental effects of surface roughness in parallel plate microchannels is therefore essential. Based on various roughness characterization schemes, the effect of structured roughness elements for incompressible laminar fluid flow is analyzed and the proposed numerical model is extended to accurately predict the pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient in presence of roughness using CFD software, FLUENT. The results are compared with the available experimental data for some of the rough surfaces.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Microfluidics; Heat--Transmission--Mathematical models; Heat sinks (Electronics)

Publication Date

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Kandlikar, Satish

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TA357.5.M53 D42 2011

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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