Laminar forced convection in two-dimensional equal-sided and reduced branching ducts

The effect of branch size on laminar forced convection in planar (two-dimensional) tee junctions has been investigated. The applicable Navier-Stokes equations and energy equation were solved numerically for two inlet Reynolds numbers and wide ranges of the mass split ratio and the branch-to-inlet duct size ratio. The results include the wall shear stress distributions; streamlines showing the number, location, and size of the recirculation zones; the pressure loss coefficients for the junction; isotherms; wall heat flux; local Nusselt number; and total rate of heat transfer. These results indicate that the branch size has little effect on all flow parameters in the run side; however, significant effects are noted in the branch. Effects of the independent parameters on the fluid-flow and heat-transfer characteristics of the junction are presented and discussed.