Numerical evaluation of the effect of using various twisted-tape geometries on heat transfer enhancement and flow characteristics in a tube

This study is aimed to investigate the amount of heat transfer, friction factor, and thermal enhancement factor in a tube with different twisted-tape geometries. Six protrusion geometries and one 0 degrees square-cut geometry are applied on the surface of the twisted tape. The main aim is to investigate the effect of the type and the angle of the elements on the rate of heat transfer enhancement. The working fluid is water. Three-dimensional turbulent fluid flow at different Reynolds numbers is solved using the SST k-omega model. Changes in the velocity, temperature, pressure, and turbulence kinetic energy are investigated in the computational domain. The findings demonstrate that, when compared to other situations, triangular elements exhibit the most notable increase in Nusselt number. In addition, as compared to the square elements, triangular elements have the highest friction factor. Moreover, the least rise in Nusselt number and the lowest friction factor are seen in the 0 degrees cut square element. Moreover, that the square with protrusions at 0 degrees has the maximum thermal enhancement factor between protrusion modes, and it is equal to 0.89 and by using the 0 degrees cut, the average thermal enhancement factor equals to 1.01. In contrast, this number equals 0.86 in the twist without elements.

Automated summary

This study investigates the heat transfer, friction factor, and thermal enhancement factor in a tube with different twisted-tape geometries. The findings show that triangular elements exhibit the most notable increase in Nusselt number compared to other shapes. Triangular elements also have the highest friction factor compared to square elements. The square with protrusions at 0 degrees has the maximum thermal enhancement factor, while the twist without elements has the lowest thermal enhancement factor.