2D simulation and analysis of fluid flow between two sinusoidal parallel plates using lattice Bolzmann method

Abstract

In order to obtain a better heat transfer, it is important to enhance fluid mixing in heat exchangers. Since there are negative effects when heat exchangers are operating in turbulent regime (like significant pressure drop, increased size of the pump) it is necessary to apply the techniques which would provide better fluid mixing when heat exchangers are operating in laminar regime. Investigations have shown that use of sinusoidal instead of flat plates results in this effect. This study is a result of two dimensional simulation of fluid flow between two parallel sinusoidal plates. Simulation was done with the use of modified Openlb code, based on lattice Boltzmann method. Reynolds number was varied from 200 to 1000, and space between the plates was varied from 3cm to 5 cm. Results showed that sinusoidal plates enhance fluid mixing, especially with greater values of Re and smaller space between the plates, which is in agreement with previous investigations.

Keywords

• lattice Boltzmann
• fluid flow
• sinusoidal plates
• plate heat exchanger
• simulation