CFD Modeling of Heat Transfer by 1.7 MHz Ultrasound Waves

This article reports the results of numerical study on the effect of high frequency ultrasounic waves on heat transfer rate. A cylindrical heater surrounded by water was exposed to a 1.7 MHz piezoelectric transducer, and its temperature was measured with and without employing the ultrasound vibrations. Heat transfer rate enhancement values at various inputted heat fluxes were found, and augmentations up to 100% were obtained during sonication. The CFD modeling of ultrasound wave propagation was carried out to predict the fluid flow pattern and heat transfer inside the water. The CFD predicted results were in good agreement with the observed results.