The hybrid method, a new method for accurate heat transfer predictions in channels with axially variable heat flux

A new computation method is presented for the accurate determination of temperature fields and heat transfer characteristics for steady forced convection flow in coolant channels with an arbitrary prescribed wall heat flux. The essential feature of this method is that the fluid region is discretized in the section normal to the flow direction. Energy balances set up for each of the elements yield a system of linear first order differential equations with as a sole independent variable an axial distance parameter. This system of equations is solved analytically using a matrix method. The method is illustrated for the case of laminar flow in flat and circular ducts.