An experimental investigation of the flow structure over a corrugated waveform in a transpired air collector

An experimental investigation of the flow dynamics in a channel with a corrugated surface is presented. Particle image velocimetry was used to obtain two-dimensional velocity fields at three different locations along the channel length, over a range of Reynolds numbers. The results show a significant impact of the corrugation waveform on the mean and turbulent flow structure inside the channel. Strong bursting flow originating from the trough, sweeping flow from the bulk region and the vortex shedding off the crest were observed. Their interactions created a complex three-dimensional flow structure extended over almost the entire channel. The mean velocity profiles indicate a strong diffusion of shear. The profiles of various turbulent properties show the enhancement of turbulence in the vicinity of the waveform. It was found that the turbulence in the channel was almost entirely produced in this region above the corrugation trough. Significant momentum transfer from the corrugation wall by the turbulent velocity field was also observed. The mean and turbulent flow behaviour was found to be periodic with respect to the waveform over most of the channel length. The results show the presence of strong turbulence even at the Reynolds number that falls within the conventional laminar range.

► Detailed investigation of the flow structure in a transpired air collector.
► Studied the impact of complex corrugation waveform at various Reynolds numbers.
► Studied the influence of channel length on the mean and turbulent properties.
► Provided the physical explanation of the observed flow behaviours.
► Explained the influence of the corrugation waveform on the heat transfer.