Experimental Study of Forced Convection Heat Transfer through Porous Media inside a Rectangular Duct of Fully Developed Region

Abstract

This prospective study was designed to experimentally investigate the effects of inserting copper mesh in fully developed turbulent flow on the flow and heat transfer characteristics. Experimental work includes designing and manufacturing the test section of rectangular duct with dimensions of (30*3*40 cm) with aspect ratio and hydraulic diameter of 10 and 5.45 mm respectively. A constant heat flux ranged (1.5*102 – 1.8*102 W/m2) was applied to the lower surface of duct with Reynolds number range (3.3*104 – 4.8*104). The porosity rang of (0.98 – 0.99). Also, the effects of porous height ratio (full and partial filling) were considered and considered air as working fluid. The results indicate that inserting mesh wire leads to enhance heat transfer coefficient and increase pressure drop. Taken together, these results show that the obtained values of performance enhancement criteria (PEC) ranged (1.01 -1.98 ), the enhancement in heat transfer coefficient is 315% duo to wire mesh insert. Also, from obtained results empirical correlation for friction factor and Nusselt number were suggested.