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

Abstract

In order to obtain better heat transfer, it is important to enhance fluid mixing in heat exchangers. Since there are negative effects when heat exchangers are operating in the turbulent regime (such as significant pressure drop and increased size of the pump), it is necessary to apply techniques that would provide better fluid mixing when heat exchangers are operating in the laminar regime. Investigations have shown that the 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 the lattice Boltzmann method. The Reynolds number was varied from 200 to 1000, and the space between the plates was varied from 3 to 5 cm. The 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.