Paper Contents
Abstract
Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are widely used in industrial applications for their robustness and high heat transfer capabilities. However, their thermal performance can be limited by boundary layer development and flow distribution. Introducing oscillating (pulsating) flow has emerged as a promising method to enhance heat transfer by periodically disturbing the thermal boundary layer and promoting fluid mixing. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical simulation is conducted to investigate the performance optimization of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger under oscillating flow conditions. The unsteady NavierStokes and energy equations are solved using the finite volume method with appropriate turbulence models to capture transient flow features. Key parameters, including oscillation frequency, amplitude, and phase angle, are varied to assess their influence on heat transfer rate, pressure drop, and overall thermalhydraulic performance. The results indicate that an optimal range of oscillation parameters exists where heat transfer enhancement is maximized with minimal penalty in pumping power. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and operation of oscillation-assisted heat exchangers for improved energy efficiency.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Raju Kumar Ranjan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
