ISSN Online: 2379-1748
ISBN Flash Drive: 978-1-56700-431-1
ISBN Online: 978-1-56700-430-4
First Thermal and Fluids Engineering Summer Conference
HEAT TRANSFER ENHANCEMENT TO AIR FLOWS IN PLATE CHANNELS WITH WIRE-MESH INSERTS
Abstract
The present paper reports the results of convective heat transfer experiments performed in a vertical channel
using commercially available stainless steel wire meshes. The wire meshes are arranged side by side to act
as a porous block, which fills the channel. Heat transfer experiments using an isothermal flat plate are conducted
for a wide range of velocities. The plate is sandwiched with wire mesh block on either side so that the
assembly completely fills the channel. The pressure drop across the filled region is measured for a range of
velocities. The plate temperature is measured under steady state conditions for a given heat input. Clear channel
experiments are also conducted under same conditions for purposes of comparison. The performance has
also been compared with high porosity open-celled copper foams under similar conditions. The heat transfer
performance is found to be superior to that of the clear channel. However, there is a penalty due to increased
pressure drop. The overall performance is found comparable to that of metallic foams.