Numerical study of heat transfer and flow structure over a microscale backstep

Abstract This study presents a two and three-dimensional numerical simulations of a flow-through a sudden expansion and contraction microchannels. The finite element method was used to discretize the equations governing the physical model. By carrying out the numerical simulations, results indicate the apparition of a separate vortex, situated in the corner after the sudden expansion of the microchannel for low Reynolds numbers. For high values of Reynolds number and expansion ratios, the vortex separation length increases. Also, the three-dimensional character of the flow is more pronounced for higher Reynolds numbers.