Experimental and numerical investigation of self-sustained oscillations in channels with periodic structures

An experimental and numerical investigation was conducted into channel flows with transverse vortex generators, periodically attached to one channel wall. The oscillatory behavior of the flow is studied. Data for heat transfer and flow losses of the oscillating flow are presented for Re = 350 and various rib heights. The unsteady u and v components of the velocity vector were recorded via a two-component hot-wire anemometer. The results are directly compared with numerical solutions of the full Navier-Stokes equations. Self-sustained flow oscillations are found both experimentally and numerically for Re greater-or-equal, slanted 350. Alternate and dynamic shedding of large vortex structures from the ribs is observed by smoke-wire flow visualization as well as visualization of the numerically determined flow field. The appearance of lower harmonics is observed when two shed vortices grow together. The numerically calculated flow field is verified experimentally. The energy equation is then solved, and heat transfer characteristics are studied numerically. A heat transfer enhancement up to a factor of 1.826 compared to plane channel flow is observed.