Computational Analysis of Cross-Flow Heat Exchangers: Effect of Fin Geometry on Thermal and Hydraulic Performance

Bouhabel, Bourhane; Abdelfatah, Marni sandid; Zouhair, Aouissi; Salim, Eutamene; Hamza, Benhacine; Yazid, Ait Ferhat

doi:10.2478/scjme-2025-0020

Abstract

A numerical study using ANSYS Fluent 18.1 software was conducted to examine the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in a cross-flow heat exchanger equipped with rectangular, hexagonal, and semi-elliptical finned tubes. Simulations were performed for Reynolds numbers ranging from 3422 to 11980. The results show that rectangular fins produce the highest heat transfer values with a high pressure drop. However, semi-elliptical fins offer superior thermal and hydraulic efficiency. At Re = 5990, the semi-elliptical configuration improves overall efficiency by 5.17% and reduces pressure drop by 47.86% compared to the rectangular fin design.

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Computational Analysis of Cross-Flow Heat Exchangers: Effect of Fin Geometry on Thermal and Hydraulic Performance

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