Heat transfer through a fractal-like branching flow network is investigated using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics approach. Results are used for the purpose of assessing the validity of, and providing insight for improving, assumptions imposed in a previously developed one-dimensional model for predicting wall temperature distributions through fractal-like flow networks. As currently modeled, the one-dimensional code fairly well predicts the general wall temperature trend simulated by the three-dimensional model; hence, demonstrating its suitability as a tool for design of fractal-like flow networks. Due to the asymmetry in the branching flow network, wall temperature distributions for the proposed branching flow network are found to vary with flow path and between the various walls forming the channel network. Three-dimensional temperature distributions along the various walls in the branching channel network are compared to those along a straight channel. Surface temperature distributions on a heat sink with a branching flow network and a heat sink with a series of straight, parallel channels are also analyzed and compared. For the same observed maximum surface temperature on these two heat sinks, a lower temperature variation is noted for the fractal-like heat sink.
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Thermal Characteristics of Microscale Fractal-Like Branching Channels
Ali Y. Alharbi,
Ali Y. Alharbi
Department of Mechanical Power and Refrigeration, PAAET College of Technological Studies, P.O. Box 42325, Shuwaikh, Kuwait 70654
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Deborah V. Pence, Associate Professor,
Deborah V. Pence, Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oregon State University, 204 Rogers Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6001
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Rebecca N. Cullion
Rebecca N. Cullion
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oregon State University, 204 Rogers Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6001
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Ali Y. Alharbi
Department of Mechanical Power and Refrigeration, PAAET College of Technological Studies, P.O. Box 42325, Shuwaikh, Kuwait 70654
Deborah V. Pence, Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oregon State University, 204 Rogers Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6001
Rebecca N. Cullion
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Oregon State University, 204 Rogers Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6001
Contributed by the Heat Transfer Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF HEAT TRANSFER. Manuscript received by the Heat Transfer Division September 4, 2003; revision received June 11, 2004. Associate Editor: S. P. Vanka.
J. Heat Transfer. Oct 2004, 126(5): 744-752 (9 pages)
Published Online: November 16, 2004
Article history
Received:
September 4, 2003
Revised:
June 11, 2004
Online:
November 16, 2004
Citation
Alharbi, A. Y., Pence, D. V., and Cullion, R. N. (November 16, 2004). "Thermal Characteristics of Microscale Fractal-Like Branching Channels ." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. October 2004; 126(5): 744–752. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1795236
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