Numerical Simulation of Roughness Effect on Gaseous Flow and Heat Transfer in Microchannels

Abstract

A three-dimensional compressible model of microchannel was established. Flow and heat transfer characteristics of nitrogen flows in microchannels (hydraulic diameter is 100 mum) with designed roughness in form of obstructions placed along channels walls have been investigated numerically through a finite element CFD code consideration of the effect of compressibility and viscosity heating. The model was verified through comparing with experiment data. Then the effects of the Reynolds number, obstruction height, obstruction pitch, obstruction geometry and width to height Ratio of obstruction on the flow and heat transfer characteristics were investigated.