TRANSIENT FILM CONDENSATION ON A HORIZONTAL ELLIPTIC TUBE

An analytical solution for transient laminar film condensation on a ho rizontal elliptical tube is obtained using the method of characteristi cs. The transient process caused by a time-step change of a sudden dec rease in wall temperature alone is considered here. Results are obtain ed for transient film thickness, heat transfer coefficients and the ti me required to achieve steady state. This situation may be considered to broaden the application of the transient film condensation on diffe rent tubes of each type of cross section. For special objects (vertica l plate e = 1, circular tube e = 0), the results agree well with forme r solutions.