Study of Flow Structures and Heat Transfer in Parallel Fins With Dimples and Protrusions Using Large Eddy Simulation

Flow field and heat transfer for parallel fins with dimples and protrusions are predicted with large-eddy simulations at a nominal Reynolds number based on fin pitch of 15,000. Dimple and protrusion depth and imprint diameter to channel height ratio are 0.4 and 2.0, respectively. The results show that on the dimple side, the flow and heat transfer is dominated by unsteady vorticity generated and ejected out by the separated shear layer in the dimple. The high turbulent energy which results from the unsteady dynamics is mostly responsible for heat transfer augmentation on the dimple side. A maximum augmentation of about 4 occurs in the reattachment zone of the dimple and immediately downstream of it. On the protrusion side, however, the augmentation in heat transfer is dominated by flow impingement at the front of the protrusion, which results in a maximum augmentation of 5.2. The overall heat transfer and friction coefficient augmentations of 2.34 and 6.35 are calculated for this configuration. Pressure drag from the dimple cavity and protrusion contribute 82% of the total pressure drop.