Heat Transfer in Parallel Rod Arrays

Abstract

The general problem of turbulent flow heat transfer in parallel rod arrays is considered. To accommodate the complexity introduced by this configuration, a method of analysis is developed using the technique of superposition of fundamental solutions. Fundamental solutions are determined experimentally which may be used to predict heat transfer in parallel rod arrays of various spacings and with arbitrary power distribution from rod to rod and around the periphery of the rods. The experimental investigation was conducted with airflow (Pr = 0.70) past electrically heated rods. Rod center-to-center spacing to rod diameter ratios of 1.15 and 1.25 were investigated for fully developed turbulent flow. Experimentally determined fundamental solutions are presented for Reynolds numbers from 7000 to 200,000.