Computational Fluid Dynamics approach in thermo-hydraulic analysis of flow in ducts with rib roughened walls - A review

An effort has been made through this paper to give a detailed insight into the literature dealing with the application of CFD in analysis of flow through ducts and solar air heaters with air as a working fluid. CFD is a strong simulation tool which uses computers and mathematical equations to model fluid flow in heat exchangers in the form of ducts and solar air heaters to predict the heat transfer, mass and momentum and also optimizing the flow processes through them. The academic and commercial use of CFD in fluid flow and heat transfer analysis has been increased remarkably. The results obtained through CFD analysis shows that the results are in good agreement and acceptable range, when compared to experimental results which proves it to be an effective tool for similar investigations for predicting the behaviour and performance in terms of heat transfer and fluid flow processes. Modelling, meshing and selection of suitable turbulence model plays an important role in CFD analysis.