Ben I think that turbulence is somewhat a matter of degree in forced convection, and that even if the bulk fluid is in the fully turbulent regime there is still a boundary layer that can limit convective heat transfer. I would be concerned with this in a "single straight through" channel no matter the width. I think it is safe to assume that most of the cooling of the usual blocks happens right at the center inlet, where that boundary layer is given some serious mixing. Can't run numbers on that though, eh?
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