Thermal contact resistance is a significant component of the overall resistance to heat transfer in finned tube compact heat exchangers. Especially where the joint between the tube and the fins is obtained by mechanical expansion, the thermal contact resistance may be greater than a quarter of the overall resistance. Reduction of thermal contact resistance results in improved performance of compact heat exchangers. The research described in this book explores the means by which such reduction may be achieved. This work describes the design and fabrication of a test apparatus for the measurement of thermal contact resistance. The parameters considered for enhancing the performance include the use of bullets of different sizes for the expansion of the tube into the fins and the coating of the tubes with soft conducting metals. The experimental results have been validated by finite element analyses. The limitations of each of these approaches are discussed and recommendations are made for further research. This book lists forty-nine references. The research work described herein was conducted with the guidance of Dr. C.V. Madhusudana, a well known authority on thermal contacts.

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