Friction factor for steady periodically developed flow in micro-and mini-channels with arrays of offset strip fins

TL;DR

This paper develops a new friction factor correlation for micro-and mini-channel flows with offset strip fins, based on extensive numerical simulations, addressing gaps in existing models for laminar flow regimes.

Contribution

A novel friction factor correlation tailored for micro-and mini-channels with offset strip fins, validated through Bayesian methods and capturing different inertia regimes.

Findings

Existing correlations do not predict laminar flow trends accurately.

The new correlation shows an inversely linear relationship between friction factor and Reynolds number.

Identification of strong, weak, and transitional inertia regimes with critical Reynolds numbers.

Abstract

In this work, the friction factor for steady periodically developed flow through micro-and mini-channels with periodic arrays of offset strip fins is analyzed. The friction factor is studied numerically on a unit cell of the array for Reynolds numbers ranging from 1 to 600, and fin height-to-length ratios below 1. It is shown that the friction factor correlations from the literature, which primarily focus on larger conventional offset strip fin geometries in the transitional flow regime, do not predict the correct trends for laminar flow in micro-and mini-channels. Therefore, a new friction factor correlation for micro-and mini-channels with offset strip fin arrays is constructed from an extensive set of numerical simulations through a least-squares fitting procedure. The suitability of this new correlation is further supported by means of the Bayesian approach for parameter estimation and model validation. The correlation predicts an inversely linear relationship between the friction factor and the Reynolds number, in accordance with our observation that a strong inertia regime prevails over nearly the entire range of investigated Reynolds numbers. Yet, through a more detailed analysis, also the presence of a weak inertia regime and a transitional regime is identified, and the transitions from the strong inertia regime are quantified by means of two critical Reynolds numbers. Finally, the new correlation also incorporates the asymptotic trends that are observed for each geometrical parameter of the offset strip fin array, and whose origins are discussed from a physical perspective.