Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Analysis for Turbulent Flow in Circular Pipe with Vortex Generator

The performance of heat transfer enhancement (HTE) using modified inserts (MIs) as a vortex generator in pipe flow and fluid flow analysis using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are evaluated in this article. The MIs are fastened to the central rod, and the circular sections of the MIs touched the circular wall of the test pipe. Heat transfer and fluid flow analyses are carried out for the various pitch to diameter ratios (P/D) and angles of the MIs. P/D ratios of 3, 4 and 6 and MIs angles of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° are considered for experimental analysis. CFD analysis is carried out for P/D ratios of 3, 4 and 6 and MIs angles of 30°, 45° and 90°. Nusselt number (Nu/Nus) and friction factor (f/fs) ratios are evaluated using the same Reynolds number between 8000 and 17,000 in the experimental study. The MIs encourage the wall and core fluid to be combined thus helps in HTE. It is found that, as the P/D ratio increases, the Nu/Nus and f/fs decrease. If the distance between the MIs increases, the mixing of fluid weakens. With decreasing the P/D ratio, Nu/Nus increases. Increased fluid mixing leads to a higher coefficient of heat transfer and higher values of pressure drop. A P/D ratio of 4 and MIs angle of 45° results in greater heat interaction than others. Finally, recommendations for the best P/D ratio and angles of MIs are made for improved HTE on fluid flow through a circular pipe.