Rectangular channel Subject

Of much greater relevance in micro reactors are rectangular channels, which were the subject of a study by Cheng et al. [110], among others. They solved the Navier-Stokes equation for channel cross-sections with an aspect ratio between 0.5 and 5 and Dean numbers between 5 and 715 using a finite-difference method. The vortex patterns obtained as a result of their computations are depicted in Figure 2.20 for two different Dean numbers. 

It has been found by tests as well as by mathematical analysis that the torsional resistance of a section, made up of a number of rectangular parts, is approximately equal to the sum of the resistances of the separate parts. It is on this basis that nearly all the formulas for noncircular sections have been developed. For example, the torsional resistance of an I-beam is approximately equal to the sum of the torsional resistances of the web and the outstanding flanges. In an I-beam in torsion the maximum shearing stress will occur at the middle of the side of the web, except where the flanges are thicker than the web, and then the maximum stress will be at the midpoint of the width of the flange. Reentrant angles, as those in I-beams and channels, are always a source of weakness in members subjected to torsion. 

---