Effect of Vapour Drag on Laminar Film Condensation on a Vertical Rectangular Fin

Abstract

A simple theory is presented for laminar film condensation of a pure vapour on a vertical rectangular fin which takes account of drag induced on the liquid film by the flow of the condensing vapour. Under these conditions, the governing conjugate differential equations for the fin and condensate flow are solved numerically to determine the fin temperature and condensate film thickness distributions. For the range of parameters investigated, it was found that the reduction in condensate thermal resistance due to vapour shear significantly enhances the heat-transfer rate to the fin and decreases the fin efficiency. The model also provides a clear picture of the relative effect of the gravity force, friction drag and momentum drag on the performance of the fin.