Numerical simulation of power-law fluids flow and heat transfer in a parallel-plate channel with transverse rectangular cavities

It is aimed to study forced convection heat transfer for non-Newtonian power-law fluids in a parallel-plate channel with transverse rectangular cavities numerically. A finite volume based computation was performed using power-law discretization scheme and SIMPLE algorithm. The flow is assumed to be two-dimensional, incompressible, laminar and steady. Complex flow patterns such as deflection and re-circulation caused by the variation of cross-section area along the stream wise direction have been studied. Also, temperature distribution influenced by these perturbations has been discussed. In particular, the effects of Reynolds number (50≤Re≤350)(50≤Re≤350), power law index (0.5≤n≤2)(0.5≤n≤2) and aspect ratio of channel cavities (A.R=0.25, 0.5) on heat transfer characteristics have been explored for channels of single and double cavity configuration. In all examined cases, varying levels of heat transfer enhancement were observed. The constant wall temperature condition has been applied.