Numerical Study of Turbulent Flow and Convective Heat Transfer Characteristics in Helical Rectangular Ducts

Three-dimensional turbulent forced convective heat transfer and its flow characteristics in helical rectangular ducts are simulated using SST k–ω turbulence model. The velocity field and temperature field at different axial locations along the axial direction are analyzed for different inlet Reynolds numbers, different curvatures, and torsions. The causes of heat transfer differences between the inner and outer wall of the helical rectangular ducts are discussed as well as the differences between helical and straight duct. A secondary flow is generated due to the centrifugal effect between the inner and outer walls. For the present study, the flow and thermal field become periodic after the first turn. It is found that Reynolds number can enhance the overall heat transfer. Instead, torsion and curvature change the overall heat transfer slightly. But the aspect ratio of the rectangular cross section can significantly affect heat transfer coefficient.