Finite‐element analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer for staggered bundles of cylinders in cross flow

Abstract

Abstract The two‐dimensional Navier‐Stokes equations and the energy equation governing steady laminar incompressible flow are solved by a penalty finite‐element model for flow across finite depth, five‐row deep, staggered bundles of cylinders. Pitch to diameter ratios of 1·5 and 2·0 are considered for cylinders in equilateral triangular and square arrangements. Reynolds numbers studied range from 100 to 400, and a Prandtl number of 0·7 is used. Velocity vector fields, streamline patterns, vorticity, pressure and temperature contours, local and average Nusselt numbers, pressure and shear stress distributions around the cylinder walls and drag coefficients are presented. The results obtained agree well with available experimental and numerical data.