Flow Visualization of Louvered-Fin Heat Exchangers

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/11606

Title: Flow Visualization of Louvered-Fin Heat Exchangers
Author(s): Bellows, K.D.
Issue Date: 1997-07
Keyword(s): louvered-fin heat exchangers
Abstract: This study involves visualization of the flow through louvered fins Jor automotive heat exchangers. Stereolithography scale models (10.5: 1) of the louvered fins are used with dye-in-water injection to observe the flow. Flow dependency on Reynolds number as well as geometrical parameters such as fin pitch, louver pitch, and louver angle are reported in terms offlow efficiency (degree offlow alignment with louvers). Experiments are reported for Reynolds numbers from 50 to 500--primarily in the laminar flow regime. In agreement with prior work, a transition from louver-directed to duct-directed flow was observed at low Reynolds numbers. Other flow phenomena such vortex shedding and the onset of turbulence are also noted. Guidelines for model size and dye injection point are also proposed to minimize test section wall effects and properly model louvered-fin bulk flow behavior.
Publisher: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center. College of Engineering. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Series/Report Name or Number: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center TR-124
Type of Resource: text
Language: en
Permalink: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/11606
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s): Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Project 38