THERMAL SCIENCE

International Scientific Journal

Thermal Science - Online First

Xuechun Wan

,

Ding Yuan

,

Zhiyong Che

,

Zhujun Li

,

Yifei Liu

,

Jincai Zhu

online first only

Analysis of heat transfer mechanisms in microchannels with different vortex-inducing microstructures

ABSTRACT
In this study, the flow characteristics and heat transfer mechanism of longitudinal vortices induced by a microchannel containing double-row rib microstructures (DLM), a microchannel containing single-row rib microstructures (SLM), and a smooth microchannel (SM) were comprehensively analyzed through numerical simulations at Reynolds numbers (Re) of 164-965. It was found that the SLM had the highest Nusselt number Nu (Nu=28) and the best comprehensive evaluation factor (PEC) (PEC=2.1). The study revealed that the primary mechanism for enhancing heat transfer in SLM was the disruption of the thermal boundary layer. This led to improved heat transfer performance in SLM, despite its fewer longitudinal vortices compared to DLM. Flow analysis revealed that the formation of two longitudinal vortices created a lubrication-like effect in DLM. Consequently, the pressure drop observed in DLM was 28% lower than that in SLM, and the intensity of the vortices was also found to be less than that of SLM.
KEYWORDS
microchannel, Longitudinal Vortices, thermal-hydraulic characteristics, Heat Transfer Enhancement
PAPER SUBMITTED: 2025-04-05
PAPER REVISED: 2025-06-15
PAPER ACCEPTED: 2025-06-23
PUBLISHED ONLINE: 2025-07-05
DOI REFERENCE: https://doi.org/10.2298/TSCI250405121W
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Analysis of heat transfer mechanisms in microchannels with different vortex-inducing microstructures