Second law analysis of compressible flow through a diffuser subjected to constant wall temperature

Abstract

This study presents the investigation of entropy generation in compressible turbulent flow of air through a diffuser. Constant temperature boundary condition is applied at the wall. Two-dimensional solution of velocity and temperature fields are obtained using the CFD code FLUENT. Regions of high entropy generation in the diffuser have been predicted. The desired inlet expansion angle corresponding to the minimum entropy generation at specified flow conditions is determined. The numerical analysis suggests that by successfully predicting the distribution of irreversibility in a thermal system, re-design efforts can be more carefully focused on specific regions with highest entropy generation. Copyright ? 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.