Three-dimensional numerical simulation of the slip flow through triangular microchannels

Three-dimensional numerical analysis for fully developed incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer through triangular microchannels over the slip flow regime is simulated in this paper. In order to study the flow through the channel, the Navier-Stokes equations are solved in conjunction with slip/jump boundary conditions. The influences of Knudsen number (0.001 < Kn < 0.1). aspect ratio (0.2 < A < 4.5), and Reynolds number (1 < Re < 15) on the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are extensively investigated in the paper. The numerical results reveal that the rarefaction decreases the Poiseuille number, while its effect on the Nusselt number completely depends on the interaction between velocity slip and temperature jump. It is also found that the aspect ratio has an important role in the analysis, but the variation of Reynolds number is less remarkable. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.