Force convective heat transfer simulation in a rectangular channel with multiple square obstacles via finite element method

Abstract

This study investigated fluid flow and forced convective heat transfer in rectangular microchannels with square barriers, as illustrated in Fig.  1 . In the first situation, three obstacles were positioned along the microchannel’s top wall. In the second scenario, obstacles were positioned along the microchannel’s bottom wall. In the final example, three square obstacles are placed symmetrically on either side of the microchannel wall. With the help of the Finite Element Method (FEM), we investigate the physicochemical behavior of the microchannel. The development of computer code within COMSOL multiphysics made it possible to simulate heat transport and fluid flow. The results include the implications of the rarefaction effect on fluid flow and heat transmission and decisions regarding the location of barriers and the shape of obstacles in squares. In addition, with the lowest value in skin friction and a lower Nusselt number, the third example, which has barriers on both sides, provides a valuable method for reducing the fluid temperature at the exit of the microchannel. This is because it has barriers on both sides. In the section under “Results and Discussion,” we provide an in-depth analysis of the numerical data derived from the microchannel. • Objective: This study aims to numerically investigate forced convective heat transfer in a rectangular channel featuring multiple square obstacles. The simulation employs the FEM to model fluid flow and temperature distribution. • Geometry and complexity: The channel geometry incorporates square obstacles, introducing geometric complexity. The FEM is chosen for its capability to handle intricate geometries accurately.