Investigation on Flow Through Staggered Micro Pin Fin Arrays with Variable Longitudinal Spacings Using Micro-PIV

ABSTRACT In this study, the flow behavior of deionized water through the staggered circular micro pin fin arrays with three longitudinal spacings (S L = 2D, 3D and 4D) is investigated using flow visualization technology of micro particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) in the range of Re = 100–800. The streamline distribution and velocity field in the three micro pin fin arrays are obtained. Experimental results indicate that the longitudinal spacing has considerable effect on both the extension of the wake region and velocity field around pin fins. The small longitudinal spacing hinders the extension of the wake region behind the pin fin and delays the vortex shedding. The micro pin fin array with S L = 2D provides maximum velocity span and transverse velocity, indicating intense local fluid mixing. The flow and heat transfer characteristics in the microchannel with a single circular micro pin fin are also studied. By comparison, the feature of the wake region in the micro pin fin array with a large longitudinal spacing is similar to that in the flow past a single micro pin fin. Moreover, vortex shedding occurs in the micro pin fin array at higher Reynolds number. The correlation between velocity field and temperature field around the pin fin is investigated. The belt zone with enhanced heat transfer around the pin fin is consistent with the distribution of fluid with high velocities. Vortex shedding can obviously enhance the heat transfer downstream of the micro pin fin.