Optimization of Fin Geometry in the Internal Finned Tube by Numerical Method

This paper presents a numerical simulation of laminar heat transfer in circular tube flows with internal longitudinal fins using finite difference numerical code. Three types of fin models with three different half-included angles have been considered. Two types of fluids (coolants), namely, water and engine oil have been considered. Aluminium is considered the tube/fin material. The variation of thermal conductivity of the tube materials, fluids and viscosity of the fluids with temperature is taken into account in the solution procedure. The outer surface of the tube is exposed to constant heat flux. Steady, laminar flow and heat transfer are assumed. It is ensured that fluids used in this study have a Reynolds number equal to 1500. It is assumed that the flow of the fluid is completely developed locally, but undeveloped while considering the thermal conditions. For the purpose of discretization of the governing equations, the finite difference scheme is adopted. Each fluid has its own momentum equation and energy equation. Both these equations of the fluid as well as the energy equation of the tube wall are solved repeatedly and simultaneously