FORCED CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER PERFORMANCE OF AN INTERNALLY FINNED TUBE

Abstract

Heat transfer performance of T-section internal fins in a circular tube has been experimentally investigated. The T-finned tube was heated by electricity and was cooled by fully developed turbulent air. Inside wall temperatures and pressure drop along the axial distance of the test section at steady state condition were measured for different flows having Reynolds number ranging from 2x10⁴ to 5x10⁴ for both smooth and finned tubes. From the measured data, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number and friction factor were calculated. From the measured and calculated values, heat transfer characteristics and fluid flow characteristics of the finned tube are explained; the performance of the finned tube is also evaluated. For finned tube, friction factor on an average was 5 times higher and heat transfer coefficient was 2 times higher than those for smooth tube for similar flow conditions. The finned tube, however, produces significant heat transfer enhancement.

Key Words: Heat Transfer, Internal Fin, Reynolds Number, Nusselt Number, Pressure Drop.

doi: 10.3329/jme.v40i1.3473

Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. ME40, No. 1, June 2009 54-62