Kedzierski, M.
and Webb, R.
(1990),
Practical Fin Shapes for Surface-Tension-Drained Condensation, Journal of Heat Transfer, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=910621 (Accessed April 30, 2026)
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Practical Fin Shapes for Surface-Tension-Drained Condensation
Published
Author(s)
, R. L. Webb
Abstract
This paper introduces a new family of high-performance fin profiles for surface-tension-drained condensation. Previously described profiles for this situation have been defined in terms of the fin curvature and arc length. The existing profiles are generally not suitable for commercial manufacture. The fin profiles presented in this paper are conveniently defined by the fin tip radius, the fin height, and the fin base thickness. Consequently, the designer may easily specify a fin shape with parameters that are compatible with those used by the manufacturing industry. The heat transfer performance of the new profiles provides an improvement over existing, commercial fin shapes. An analysis is presented to show the R-11 condensation performance of the new profiles as a funciton of the geometric variables. A recommended design practice for fins for surface-tension-drained condensation is given also.Citation
Journal of Heat Transfer
Volume
112
Pub Type
Journals
Download Paper
Keywords
condensation, fin shapes, fin profiles, profile definition, Adamek profiles, Gregorig profiles
Citation
Issues
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Created May 1, 1990, Updated February 19, 2017