Investigation of a Flexible V-Fin for Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Backward-Facing Step

Articles in Press

Document Type : Full Length Research Article

Author

University Oran 2 IMSI

Abstract

A numerical study was conducted to enhance heat transfer in a backward-facing step configuration via forced convection. Using the finite element method, simulations were performed for Reynolds numbers from 50 to 200. A flexible V-fin was introduced to direct the coolant (air) flow toward the heated wall. The fin's vertical position (y = 0, H/10, H/5) and elasticity, governed by the Cauchy number (Ca = 10⁻⁴, 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁶, 10⁻⁷), were key variables. The optimal configuration (y = H/5, Ca = 10⁻⁷, Re = 200) yielded a 30.75% increase in the average Nusselt number over the baseline without a fin. The results confirm that the fin consistently improves thermal performance, whether rigid or flexible. This study employs finite element simulations to analyze forced convection

heat transfer in a backward-facing step channel. The research investigates the effect

of a flexible V-fin. compared to the finless case. Crucially, the presence of the

fin improved heat transfer performance regardless of its rigidity.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 November 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 06 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 November 2025

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