Rеvuе des Energies Renouvelables
Volume 8, Numéro 1, Pages 1-18
2005-06-30

Three-dimensional Conjugate Conduction-mixed Convection With Variable Fluid Properties In A Heated Horizontal Pipe

Authors : Boufendi T. . Afrid M. .

Abstract

This study concerns the numerical simulation of the three dimensional conjugate conduction-mixed convection heat transfer in a horizontal heated pipe with a small wall thickness. The fluid physical properties are variable with temperature and the heat losses from the outer surface of the pipe to the ambient are considered. The model equations of continuity, momenta and energy are numerically solved with a finite volume method. The obtained results show that the thermal and the flow fields are three-dimensional, the non-uniformity of the heat flux at the interface wall-fluid is significant and the mean Nusselt number in the pipe is considerably increased. The numerical results of our study are in good agreement with those of an experimental work done with the same geometric, dynamic and thermal parameters.

Keywords

Conjugate heat transfer - Mixed convection - Uninsulated horizontal - Pipe - Fluid flow - Variables properties.