TY - JOUR
TI - Enhancing flow structure in heat exchangers analysis of dynamic and thermal air-flow behavior with perforated and inclined baffles
AU - Alqahtani Sultan
AU - Alshehery Sultan
AU - Bayram Mustafa
AU - Ikumapayi Omolayo M
AU - Akinlabi Esther T
AU - Akinlabi Stephen A
AU - Menni Younes
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2023
VL - 27
IS - 4
SP - 3269
EP - 3280
PT - Article
AB - This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic and thermal  behavior of air-flow within a heat exchanger equipped with two distinctive  baffles: a perforated baffle and a partially inclined baffle. The influence  of hole positioning in the perforated baffle on the overall performance of  the heat exchanger is thoroughly investigated through a systematic  examination of temperature curves at varying Reynolds number values. The  results demonstrate significant enhancements in flow characteristics  attributed to the presence of these baffles. The flow structure exhibits  prominent main currents across the gaps and secondary currents through the  holes. The inclusion of these barriers leads to significant deformations  and the emergence of well-developed recycling cells in the form of vortices.  Both the perforated and inclined baffles effectively reduce pressure values  on their frontal regions, thereby mitigating friction losses. Furthermore,  the introduction of a perforation in the lower part of the baffle induces a  more turbulent flow compared to the other cases. This is attributed to the  expansion of the recirculating cells, resulting in improved fluid mixing and  subsequent enhancement of thermal energy gain. These findings offer  valuable insights into the design and optimization of heat exchangers,  enabling improved performance and efficiency in various engineering  applications.