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Pressure drop and heat transfer for spirally fluted tubes including validation of the role of transition

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5807897
; ;  [1];  [2]
  1. Clarkson Univ., Potsdam, NY (USA). Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer Lab.
  2. Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)

An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics for spirally fluted tubes in laminar, transitional and turbulent flow of air. It is established that, in the laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes, the friction factor for the spirally fluted tube is generally higher than that for a smooth tube. The values for the critical Reynolds number at the onset of transition to turbulent flow are lower, while the corresponding critical friction factors are higher, than those for a smooth tube. Consistent with the expected effect of transition on heat transfer, the experimentally determined Nusselt numbers are generally higher than the smooth tube values. The results indicate that there is a definite connection between transition and the heat transfer enhancement. 10 refs., 11 figs.

Research Organization:
Clarkson Univ., Potsdam, NY (USA). Fluid Mechanics, Heat and Mass Transfer Lab.
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-89CE90029
OSTI ID:
5807897
Report Number(s):
CONF-910739-14; ON: DE91012242
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English