Effects of tapered helical obstacles on heat transfer in tubes
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Kawthar A. Al-Shami
and
Mohsen H. Fagr
Abstract
In this computational investigation, the effects of helical tapering barriers on turbulent air flow through a horizontal circular tube with a constant surface heat flux were examined. The goal was to improve thermal performance and heat transfer. Multiple configurations were examined using the SST k-ϋ turbulence model in ANSYS Fluent 2023. These configurations included two helical tapering heights (2.5–5 mm, 2.5–7.5 mm) and helix ratios (y = 2, 3, 4), with Reynolds numbers ranging from (10,000 to 60,000). At Re = 10,000, the configuration with a tapering height of 2.5–5 mm and y = 2 produced the greatest Nusselt number of 333, which is 151 % higher than the plain tube (Nu = 36). This was achieved due to the installation of helical barriers, which considerably boosted heat transport, nevertheless, in comparison to the plain tube, the friction factor increased by 82 % with this modification. Reducing the helix ratio or tapering height further enhanced both metrics, and increasing the Reynolds number increased the Nusselt number while decreasing the friction factor. All thermal performance factor (TPF) were greater than one, even with the higher flow resistance; the configuration that produced the most thermal enhancement had the highest TPF of 1.62. In particular, for low helix ratios and tapering heights, our results demonstrate that helical tapered obstacles are helpful in enhancing thermal performance.
Acknowledgments
This work is supported by Khudheyer S. Mushatet. One of the authors is grateful to the Supervisor of Scientific Research for his continuous support.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interests: No.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Research Articles
- An improvement of level control of non-linear horizontal tank process using sliding mode controller
- Numerical investigation of inlet pressure effects on condensation flow regime in a supersonic nozzle
- Effects of tapered helical obstacles on heat transfer in tubes
- Gasification process prediction using a novel and reliable metaheuristic algorithm coupled with the K-nearest neighbors
- Evaluating the ionic liquids, commercial solvents, and pressure-swing for efficient azeotropic separation
- A synergistic approach to CO2 sequestration: evaluating trapping mechanisms in saline aquifers
- Diffusion modeling and optimization of drying dynamics of ogbono seed (Irvingea gabonensis): empirical insights into energy indices and process conditions
- Production of polyphenol extracts with antioxidant activity from olive pomace: process modeling and optimization
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Research Articles
- An improvement of level control of non-linear horizontal tank process using sliding mode controller
- Numerical investigation of inlet pressure effects on condensation flow regime in a supersonic nozzle
- Effects of tapered helical obstacles on heat transfer in tubes
- Gasification process prediction using a novel and reliable metaheuristic algorithm coupled with the K-nearest neighbors
- Evaluating the ionic liquids, commercial solvents, and pressure-swing for efficient azeotropic separation
- A synergistic approach to CO2 sequestration: evaluating trapping mechanisms in saline aquifers
- Diffusion modeling and optimization of drying dynamics of ogbono seed (Irvingea gabonensis): empirical insights into energy indices and process conditions
- Production of polyphenol extracts with antioxidant activity from olive pomace: process modeling and optimization
