Numerical analysis of heat transfer characteristics in a pin fin-dimpled channel with different pin fins and dimple locations

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influences of dimple location on the heat transfer performance of a pin fin-dimpled channel with upright/curved/inclined pin fins under stationary and rotating conditions. Design/methodology/approach Numerical methods based on a realizable k-epsilon turbulent model are used to conduct this study. Three kinds of pin fins (upright, curved, inclined) and three dimple locations (front, middle, behind) are studied for Ro varying from 0 to 0.5. Findings On the whole, pin fin plays a dominated role in heat transfer performance compared to dimple. The heading path and interaction of the longitudinal secondary flow and jet-like flow critically affect heat transfer performance. The formation, development and impingement of jet-like flow and longitudinal secondary flow are significantly affected by dimple locations. Dimple at behind position shows the poorest heat transfer enhancement. Originality/value This study is an extend of another previous study in which an innovative curved pin fin is proposed. The originality of this paper is to evaluate the heat transfer performance for the combined cooling structure of dimple and pin fin, which will provide original and useful application and experience for turbine blade design.