A computational modeling on transient heat and fluid flow through a curved duct of large aspect ratio with centrifugal instability

Due to remarkable applications of the curved ducts in engineering fields, scientists have paid much attention to invent new characteristics of curved-duct flow in mechanical systems. In the ongoing study, a computational modeling of fluid flow and energy distribution through a curved rectangular duct of large aspect ratio is presented. Governing equations are enumerated by using a spectral-based numerical technique together with the function expansion and collocation method. The main purpose of the paper is to analyze the effect of centrifugal force in the flow transition as well as heat transfer in the fluid. The investigations are performed for the aspect ratio, Ar = 4; the curvature ratio, $$\delta = 0.5$$ ; the Grashof number, $${\text{Gr}} = 1000$$ ; and varying the Dean number, $$0 < {\text{Dn}} \le 1000.$$ It is found that various types of flow regimes including steady-state and irregular oscillations occur as Dn is increased. To well understand the characteristics of the flow phase spaces and power spectrum of the solutions are performed. Next, pattern variations of axial and secondary flow velocity with isotherms are illustrated for different Dn’s. It is revealed that the flow velocity and the isotherms are significantly influenced by the duct curvature and the aspect ratio. Convective heat transfer and temperature gradients are calculated which explores that the fluids are diversified due to centrifugal instability, and as a consequence the overall heat transfer is enhanced significantly in the curved duct.