Prediction of Swirling Flow in a Corrugated Channel

Laminar and turbulent flow in a corrugated channel is simulated using HARWELL-FLOW3D. The channel represents a typical cell within a proposed design for the heat-transfer element of a rotary regenerator. Velocity vectors in planes perpendicular and parallel to the axis of a corrugation are visualised using Harwell’s graphics package, OUTPROC. Both programs were mn on Harwell’s Cray 2. The velocity vector plots show clear evidence of swirl, which is thought to be the mechanism responsible for the high rates of heat transfer in this type of heat-exchanger geometry. The swirl strength is shown to be a function of the channel geometry.