A Computational Framework for Evaluating Heat Transfer Enhancement and Drag Characteristics of Surface-Modified Hydrophobic Bluff Bodies
Keywords:
Hydrophobic surfaces, bluff bodies, drag reduction, heat transfer enhancementAbstract
The aerodynamic and thermal performance of bluff bodies plays a crucial role in engineering applications ranging from marine vehicles to heat exchangers. Surface modification through hydrophobic and superhydrophobic treatments has emerged as a promising approach for reducing drag while enhancing heat transfer. However, the coupled effects of surface topology, hydrophobicity, and turbulent flow behavior remain insufficiently understood, particularly in bluff body geometries where flow separation dominates. This study proposes a comprehensive computational framework integrating advanced turbulence modeling, surface slip boundary conditions, and finite volume-based numerical simulations to evaluate drag characteristics and heat transfer enhancement in grooved hydrophobic bluff bodies. The framework incorporates large eddy simulation (LES) models, including dynamic subgrid-scale formulations, to capture complex flow physics. A parametric evaluation is conducted to assess the influence of surface modification on skin friction, pressure drag, and convective heat transfer coefficients. Results indicate that hydrophobic surface structuring significantly reduces drag while enhancing thermal transport under specific Reynolds number regimes. The study further demonstrates that surface-induced slip and turbulence modulation are key mechanisms governing performance improvements. The proposed framework provides a robust tool for optimizing bluff body designs in fluid-thermal systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Yogi Firmansyah, Dr. Rachmat Hidayat (Author)
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