Effect of the vortical structure on heat transfer in the transitional flow over a backward-facing step

Abstract This paper presents a direct numerical simulation of the vortical structure along the bottom wall and its effect on heat transfer enhancement in the transitional flow over a backward-facing step. The governing equations are solved with a computer program using FORTRAN code according to finite volume method. The heat transfer of the bottom wall is enhanced greatly for the transitional Reynolds numbers, especially in the range 6 ≤ x/H ≤ 14. In this range, the local Nusselt number distributions for various time instants of the periodic cycle exist three peak values at Re = 1200. The corresponding locations of Nu peak values in the vorticity contours are all between the negative vortex and the adjacent downstream positive vortex. This vortical structure appears due to the flow instability which causes the heat transfer enhancement of the bottom wall in the transitional flow.

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