Numerical simulation of deflecting flow in a symmetric enlarged channel

Numerical results of three-dimensional separated flow and heat transfer in a rectangular channel with a sudden expansion are presented in this paper. Numerical simulations of Navier-Stokes and energy equations are carried out using the finite difference method. The results of three-dimensional calculations are compared with the two-dimensional ones, and effects of the aspect ratio of channel upon the flow are shown. The transition from symmetric to asymmetric flow appears at lower Reynolds number as increasing the aspect ratio. The details of local heat transfer characteristics in two different separated flow regions on two downstream walls are clarified. Two-dimensionality of the flow and heat transfer almost disappears for the aspect ratio considered.