Effect of novel short-length wavy-tape turbulators on fluid flow and heat transfer: experimental study

Abstract

The heat transfer characteristics of turbulent flow regime through a circular tube with short- and full-length wavy-tape inserts were experimentally investigated. Air was used for Reynolds numbers between 6,000 and 20,000 with different combinations of wave, tape thickness, and diameter ratios. It was found that wavy-tape inserts enhanced the heat transfer by up to 67% higher than smooth tubes. For approximately the same pumping power, the heat transfer for full-length wavy tape was approximately 25% higher than for short-length wavy tape. However, the pumping power of full-length tape was 26% higher than for short-length tape.