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Optimizing heat transfer: corrugated backward facing step integration with obstacles for enhanced performance


Citation

Sarhan, Taghreed Kadom and Mohd Ariffin, Mohd Khairol Anuar and Supeni, Eris Elianddy and Ahmad, Kamarul Arifin and Abu Talib, Abd Rahim and Al-Zubaidi, Razi (2025) Optimizing heat transfer: corrugated backward facing step integration with obstacles for enhanced performance. Journal of Advanced Research in Numerical Heat Transfer, 31 (1). pp. 56-75. ISSN 2735-0142

Abstract

In this study, we investigate how heat transfer enhancement can be achieved in backward facing step (BFS) channels with corrugated bottoms and strategically placed obstacles via using water as base fluid. Simulations were performed using the Finite Volume Method (FVM) and SIMPLE method. The upstream dimension is 200 mm, the downstream dimension is 300 mm, and height varies from 10 mm at the inlet to 20 mm at the outlet. Four obstacle configurations were analyzed: Model A of 2.5 mm obstacle; Model B of 5 mm obstacle; Model C of 5 mm obstacle at 30°; Model D of three 5 mm obstacles. Reynolds numbers (Re) from 5000 to 20,000 and a constant heat flux of 40 kW/m² were studied. Model B with a trapezoidal corrugated bottom and 5 mm obstacle 215 mm from the inlet had the Nusselt number (Nu) and optimized performance evaluation criteria (PEC) demonstrated up to a 90% improvement over smooth BFS and 20% over trapezoidal BFS in heat transfer. Increasing turbulence and recirculation also helped improve fluid mixing and wall heat transfer through effective obstacle positioning. For BFS channels, Model B offered the best trade off of heat transfer enhancement and frictional losses, and thus represented the best design for thermal performance optimization.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Computational Mechanics
Subject: Automotive Engineering
Subject: Aerospace Engineering
Divisions: Faculty of Engineering
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.37934/arnht.31.1.5675
Publisher: Penerbit Akademia Baru
Keywords: Backward-Facing Step (BFS); Flow separation; Heat transfer; Recirculation zones; Turbulence
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Depositing User: MS. HADIZAH NORDIN
Date Deposited: 12 May 2026 08:34
Last Modified: 12 May 2026 08:34
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.37934/arnht.31.1.5675
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/125471
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