Practical Fin Shapes for Surface-Tension-Drained Condensation.
Practical Fin Shapes for Surface-Tension-Drained
Condensation.
(4859 K)
Kedzierski, M. A.; Webb, R. L.
Journal of Heat Transfer, Vol. 112, 479-485, May 1990.
Keywords:
condensation; fin shapes; fin profiles; profile
definition; Adamek profiles; Gregorig profiles
Abstract:
This paper introduces a new family of high-performance
fin profiles for surface-tension-drained condensation.
Previously described profiles for this situation have
been defined in terms of the fin curvature and arc
length. The existing profiles are generally not
suitable for commercial manufacture. The fin profiles
presented in this paper are conveniently defined by the
fin tip radius, the fin height, and the fin base
thickness. Consequently, the designer may easily
specify a fin shape with parameters that are compatible
with those used by the manufacturing industry. The heat
transfer performance of the new profiles provides an
improvement over existing, commercial fin shapes. An
analysis is presented to show the R-11 condensation
performance of the new profiles as a funciton of the
geometric variables. A recommended design practice for
fins for surface-tension-drained condensation is given
also.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899