Fully-developed laminar flow in trapezoidal ducts with rounded corners: a numerical solution and case study

Purpose This paper aims to numerically solve fully developed laminar flow in trapezoidal ducts with rounded corners which result following forming processes. Design/methodology/approach A two-dimensional model for a duct is and conservation of momentum equation solved. The assumed be steady, developed, laminar, isothermal incompressible. key characteristics including the Poiseuille number incremental pressure drop have been computed tabulated wide range of: sidewall angle ( θ ); ratio height its smaller base α fillet radius β ). Findings results show that decreases, all other dimensionless numbers increase increasing radii fillets duct; these effects were found amplify decreasing heights or angles. maximum axial velocity was shown duct. For normally used hydrogen fuel cells, impact cannot overlooked very low channel high Practical implications data generated this study are highly valuable engineers interested estimating drops ducts; increasingly cells where channels stamped on thin metallic sheets. Originality/value Fully four has solved first time, allowing more accurate estimation drop.