A Review of Heat Transfer Enhancement in Ribbed Channels: Geometric Parameters, Flow Characteristics, and Performance Optimization

Jahanbakhshi, Akram

doi:10.22034/jmnr.2026.15048.1003

A Review of Heat Transfer Enhancement in Ribbed Channels: Geometric Parameters, Flow Characteristics, and Performance Optimization

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Akram Jahanbakhshi

Center of Payam Shahrekord Cooperative, University of Applied Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

10.22034/jmnr.2026.15048.1003

Abstract

This review paper presents an analysis of heat transfer enhancement techniques in ribbed channels, drawing insights from experimental and numerical investigations. The review synthesizes findings from studies focusing on various rib geometries, including transverse ribs, V-shaped ribs, curved ribs, angular cut baffles, micro-pin fins, and hybrid configurations. Key parameters such as rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratio, pitch ratio, rib angle of attack, and Reynolds number effects are systematically examined. The review encompasses applications in solar air heaters, gas turbine blade cooling, microchannel heat sinks, heat exchangers, and superhydrophobic drag reduction surfaces. Performance evaluation criteria, including Nusselt number enhancement, friction factor penalties, thermal-hydraulic performance parameters, exergy analysis, and entropy generation, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for optimal rib configurations and identifies research gaps for future investigations.

Keywords

Heat transfer

Ribbed channel

Performance

Flow field