Thermal contact resistance is a significant componentof the overall resistance to heat transfer in finnedtube compact heat exchangers. Especially where thejoint between the tube and the fins is obtained bymechanical expansion, the thermal contact resistancemay be greater than a quarter of the overallresistance. Reduction of thermal contact resistanceresults in improved performance of compact heatexchangers. The research described in this bookexplores the means by which such reduction may beachieved. This work describes the design andfabrication of a test apparatus for the measurementof thermal contact resistance. The parametersconsidered for enhancing the performance include theuse of bullets of different sizes for the expansionof the tube into the fins and the coating of thetubes with soft conducting metals. The experimentalresults have been validated by finite elementanalyses. The limitations of each of these approachesare discussed and recommendations are made forfurther research. This book lists forty-nine references.The research work described herein was conducted withthe guidance of Dr. C.V. Madhusudana, a well knownauthority on thermal contacts.
...
Read Full Text
