Laminar conjugated forced convection heat transfer in curved rectangular channels

This paper examines fully developed laminar flow and conjugated forced convection heat transfer in curved rectangular channels. The wall average Nusselt number, Nu, is presented as a function of the wall conduction parameter, φ, the Dean number, De, and the channel aspect ratio, λ. Secondary flow streamlines for the case of λ=1/2 are presented to illustrate the enhanced stability in curved rectangular channels in comparison with curved square channels. A curve illustrating the relationship between φeff, defined as the value of φ at which a constant wall temperature boundary condition can be assumed, and De is presented for several values of λ. The solution for straight channels is also included, and it is found that φeff is independent of λ for λ≤1/4.