Numerical study of EHD-enhanced forced convection using two-way coupling

Numerical results are presented for heat transfer enhancement using electric field in forced convection in a horizontal channel. The main objective of the present study is to verify the assumption that is commonly used in the numerical study of this kind of problem, which assumes that the electric field can modify the flow field but not vice versa (i.e., the so-called one-way coupling). To this end, numerical solutions are obtained for a wide range of governing parameters (V-0=10, 12.5, 15 and 17.5 kV as well as u(i)=0.0759 to 1.2144 m/s) using both one-way and two-way couplings. The results obtained, in terms of the flow, temperature, and electric fields as well as the heat transfer enhancement, are thoroughly examined. Since the difference in the results obtained by two approaches is insignificant, it is concluded that the assumption of one-way coupling is valid for the problem considered.