Three-dimensional analysis of convection in two-dimensional wavy channels

Pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics are investigated in the fully developed region of wavy channels that are nominally two dimensional. Three-dimensional (3D) simulations of flow and temperature fields indicate that longitudinal vortices appear as soon as transverse vortex shedding processes begin. In this case, the three dimensionality of the flow is not due to the action of external boundaries, but arises from intrinsic fluid dynamical instabilities. Numerical computations show that the onset of 3D effects has a significant influence on overall friction factors and Nusselt numbers.