Performance evaluation of compact channels with surface modifications for heat transfer enhancement: An interferometric study in developing flow regime

•Heat transfer phenomena in surface roughened compact channels.•Non-intrusive investigation using laser interferometry.•Influence of inward dimples on heat transfer rates.•Performance evaluation with respect to smooth channels.•Plausible explanations of mechanisms for heat transfer enhancement.

Performance evaluation of surface roughened compact channels for heat transfer applications has been investigated using non-intrusive, real time laser-based interferometric technique with water as the coolant medium. The lower wall of the channel has been roughened by creating hemispherical inward dimples. Projection data of the temperature field has been recorded using a Mach Zehnder interferometer. In order to facilitate direct comparison, experiments have also been conducted in smooth channel of similar dimensions. Results have been presented in the form of thermal boundary layer profiles, whole field temperature distributions and local variations of heat transfer coefficients. Direct interferometric measurements clearly reveal the disruption of thermal boundary layer due to the presence of inward dimples. Near wall temperature gradients were seen to be stronger in the case of dimpled channel in comparison with that of the smooth one resulting into a clear enhancement in heat transfer rates. At low Reynolds numbers, variation of heat transfer coefficients along the length of the dimpled channel showed the presence of local maxima. On the other hand, the corresponding profiles for the smooth channels showed a monotonic decrease with respect to the axial direction. The dynamic measurements, that are purely non-intrusive, revealed an improved thermal performance of surface roughened compact channels.