Numerical Investigation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Spiral Microchannel with Rectangular Cross Section

In this study, three-dimensional flow and heat transfer in a spiral microchannel with rectangular cross section have been investigated numerically. The noslip condition and constant temperature on the walls have been assumed. The effects of secondary flows and flow reversal on heat transfer have been investigated. Also the effects of Reynolds and Richardson numbers on Nusselt number and friction factor have been studied. Results show that, increasing the Reynolds number increases the friction factor and Nusselt number. Also increasing the buoyancy force along the channel strengthens the reverse flows which lead to increasing of friction factor and decreasing of Nu number.

Keywords:

Spiral Microchannel , Mixed convection , heat transfer , Flow reversal