Numerical simulation and experimental validation of heat transfer within rotating flows for three-dimensional non-axisymmetric, turbulent conditions

A control volume type numerical methodology for the analysis of steady three-dimensional rotating flows with heat transfer, in both laminar and turbulent conditions, is implemented and experimentally tested. Non-axisymmetric momentum and heat transfer phenomena are allowed for. Turbulent transport is alternatively represented through three existing versions of the k-epsilon model that were adjusted to take into account the turbulence anisotropy promoted by rotation, streamline curvature and thermal buoyancy. Their relative performance is evaluated by comparison of calculated local and global heat balances with those obtained through measurements in a laboratory device. A modified version of the Lam and Bremhorst, low Reynolds number model is seen to give the best results. A preliminary analysis focused on the flow structure and the transfer of heat is reported. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.