Heat Transfer Characteristics in Radially Outward Flow between Two Parallel Disks

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to determine the heat transfer characteristics in radially outward flow between two parallel disks. The local heat transfer coefficients along the disk radius were measured in detail and the flow patterns between the two disks were visualized using a paraffin mist injection technique. It was disclosed that self-sustained periodic flow separation, a unique characteristic of radially outward flow between the disks, occurs when the Reynolds number reaches about 1200. With a further increase in the Reynolds umber, oscillating flow results in a flow transition into a turbulent flow, and three distinct regions of heat transfer, namely, laminar, oscillating laminar and turbulent coexist along the disk radius.