Numerical Analysis of Mixed Convection through an Internally Finned Tube

Abstract

Wall temperature of an internally finned tube has been computed numerically for different fin number, height, and shape by solving conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy using Fluent 12.1 for a steady and laminar flow of fluid inside a tube under mixed flow condition. It has been found that there exists an optimum number for fins to keep the pipe wall temperature at a minimum. The fin height has an optimum value beyond which the wall temperature becomes insensitive to fin height. For a horizontal tube, under mixed flow condition, it is seen that the upper surface has higher average temperature than the lower surface. The impact of fin shape on the heat transfer rate shows that wall temperature is least for triangular-shaped fins, compared to rectangular- and T-shaped fins. In addition to the thermal characteristics, the pressure drop caused due to the presence of fins has also been studied.