Numerical Analysis of Conjugate Heat Transfer in a Planar Sudden Expansion Flow

The present study investigates numerically the conjugate heat transfer in a two-dimensional planar sudden expansion flow. The governing equations are solved using an unstructured solver based on the finite volume method. The results show the effects of Reynolds number, thermal conductivity ratio, Prandtl number and solid slab thickness on the conjugate heat transfer characteristics. The outcome of this study is presented in the form of local Nusselt number, average Nusselt number and interface temperature along the solid-fluid interface. It is observed that for the given range of Reynolds number, i.e. $$\mathrm{Re} \le 100$$ , the fluid flow is found to be symmetric. It is further revealed that the heat transfer increases along the interface with the increase of Reynolds number, thermal conductivity ratio and Prandtl number whereas it decreases with the increase of solid slab thickness.