Fluid-structure interaction analysis of convective flow and heat transfer in channel-mounted heated obstacles

A numerical study is conducted to analyze forced convective flow and heat transfer in channel-mounted heated obstacles. In essence, the implications of using flexible surface between the mounted obstacles were studied to examine their influence on heat transfer augmentation. Various pertinent parameters were considered in this regard, such as the Reynolds number, height of the heated obstacles, spacing between obstacles, and the elasticity of the flexible surface. The fluid and energy transport equations were solved using a finite element formulation based on the Galerkin method of weighted residuals. In essence, a fully coupled Fluid-Structure interaction (FSI) analysis was utilized in this investigation. Comparisons of streamlines, isotherms, and local Nusselt number were made between rigid and flexible bottom surface between the obstacles. The results of this investigation revealed that the elasticity of the bottom surface between the obstacles plays a significant role on the heat transfer enhancement. This work paves the road for researchers in the area of electronics cooling to design efficient thermal systems.