Laminar forced convection in elliptic ducts

Abstract

The problem of laminar forced convection heat transfer in short elliptical ducts with (i) uniform wall temperature and (ii) prescribed wall heat flux is examined in detail with the well known Lévêque theory of linear velocity profile near the wall. Moreover, consideration is given to the variation of the slope of the linear velocity profile with the position on the duct wall. A correction factor for the temperature dependent viscosity is included. Expressions for the local and average Nusselt numbers and wall temperatures are obtained. For the case of constant heat flux the Nusselt numbers are higher than for constant wall temperature.

The results corresponding to the classical Graetz and Purday problems are deduced as special cases.