Local Heat Transfer Downstream of an Abrupt Expansion in a Circular Channel With Constant Wall Heat Flux

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the local heat transfer coefficients to an air flow downstream of an axisymmetric abrupt expansion in a circular pipe with a constant wall heat flux. The experimental technique uses an electrically heated thin gold film on a plastic substrate. The flow upstream of the expansion was unheated and fully developed. Runs were made with small diameter to large diameter ratios of 0.267 to 0.800 and over the Reynolds numbers range of 5,300 to 87,000 (based on downstream diameter). The results include measurements near the expansion corner region where no previous measurements have been reported. These provide clear evidence of a secondary recirculation. Comparisons are also made with previous experimental results in the region of reattachment.