The LTNE model for forced convection in a duct filled by a Darcy metallic foam

The present paper studies the thermal entrance region in a duct filled by a fluid saturated porous foam, with reference to steady forced convection and to a thermal boundary condition given by a wall temperature longitudinally varying with a sinusoidal law. The effect of viscous dissipation in the fluid is taken into account, and a twotemperature model is employed in order to evaluate separately the local fluid and solid matrix temperatures. The governing equations in the thermal entrance region and in the fully developed region are solved numerically by the method of lines. The Nusselt number, and its average value in a longitudinal period, is evaluated as well.