Two-dimensional simulation of fluid flow and forced convection heat transfer from a circular cylinder with control rods

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to study the fluid flow and forced convection heat transfer from an isothermal circular cylinder with control rods in the laminar unsteady flow regime. Design/methodology/approach The overset grid method was used for accurate simulation of the unsteady flows around different arrangements of the cylinders. Grid generation for overset grids was performed using a general orthogonal boundary fitted coordinate system. The method of solution was based on a finite volume discretization of the Navier-Stokes equations. Simulations were carried out for the Prandtl numbers of 0.7 and 7.0 with the Reynolds numbers ranging from 60 to 300. Findings The results indicate that the performance of multiple control rods depends strongly on the spacing ratio. Furthermore, in a manner similar to the flow patterns, four different thermal regimes were recognized based on the variations of mean Nusselt number versus G/D, as the thermal regimes follow the categories of flow regimes at different diameter ratios. However, for different Prandtl numbers, no single trend of heat transfer variation versus the spacing ratio exists for same regime. Originality/value Few studies have been conducted to investigate the heat transfer characteristics from control rods. The results of this study provide a comprehensive knowledge on the dynamical and thermal behavior of the flow around multiple cylinders.