Simulations of Three-Dimensional Flow and Augmented Heat Transfer in a Symmetrically Grooved Channel

Navier-Stokes simulations of three-dimensional flow and augmented convection in a channel with symmetric, transverse grooves on two opposite walls were performed for 180⩽Re⩽1600 using the spectral element technique. A series of flow transitions was observed as the Reynolds number was increased, from steady two-dimensional flow, to traveling two and three-dimensional wave structures, and finally to three-dimensional mixing. Three-dimensional simulations exhibited good agreement with local and spatially averaged Nusselt number and friction factor measurements over the range 800⩽Re⩽1600. [S0022-1481(00)00904-X]