Thermal transport analysis in parallel-plate channel filled with open-celled metallic foams

Forced convective heat transfer in highly porous, open-celled metallic foams sandwiched between two infinite parallel plates is analytically modeled using the Brinkman–Darcy and two-equation models. With uniform heat flux, closed-form solutions for fully developed flow and heat transfer are obtained. Nusselt number with explicit expression is derived and the analytical results are verified by existing experimental data. To examine the effect of axial heat conduction neglected in the analytical modeling, numerical simulations, which are verified by the analytical solution, are performed. A modified fin analysis method with improved predicting accuracy compared with the conventional fin analysis method by introducing equivalent foam temperature is also put forward. The predictions obtained with the analytical model, the numerical simulation and the modified fin analysis method are compared with each other, and their pros and cons are discussed. Finally, a systematic parametric study is conducted on heat transfer in parallel-plate channels filled with metallic foams, with useful suggestions for practical designs obtained.