Research on the flow across elliptical tube tanks with the finite-element method

The characteristics of flow across elliptical tube tanks of different configurations and with different flow patterns are investigated numerically using the ANSYS based on the finite-element method.The flow field visualization is realized through the contour maps of velocity distributions.The results obtained are compared with those of in-line and staggered tube banks,through which the convection heat transfer is understood.It is concluded from the numerical study that the flow resistance can be reduced significantly while the convection heat transfer could be improved,provided the ratio of major-axis length to minor-axis length is reasonably selected.The research deepens the knowledge of flow characteristics of elliptical tube tanks,through which the method of numerical simulation proves an effective technique for the investigations on the flow of elliptical tube-banks.