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Condensation heat transfer characteristics of vapor flow in vertical small-diameter tube with variable wall temperature

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Abstract

To explore the condensation characteristics of vapor flow inside vertical small-diameter tubes, the classical Nusselt theory is revised and an analytical model with variable tube wall temperature is established by considering the effect of surface tension exerted by condensate film bending as well as the effect of shear stress on vapor-liquid interface. The effects of various factors including tube wall temperature and gravityon flow condensation in small-diameter tubes are analyzed theoretically to show the heat transfer characteristics. Comparison with the experimental data indicates that the proposed analytical model is fit to reveal the fundamental characteristics of flow condensation heat transfer in vertical small-diameter tube.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thermal Engineering Department, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China

    Xiaoze Du & Buxuan Wang

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  1. Xiaoze Du
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  2. Buxuan Wang
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Correspondence to Buxuan Wang.

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Du, X., Wang, B. Condensation heat transfer characteristics of vapor flow in vertical small-diameter tube with variable wall temperature. Sci. China Ser. E-Technol. Sci. 45, 81–89 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1360/02ye9010

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1360/02ye9010

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