ROLE OF GOVERNMENT LABORATORIES IN HEAT-TRANSFER RESEARCH

Recent assessment studies of current and future heat transfer research have identified some future directions for a national coordinated eff ort. These assessment exercises raise the question of the proper role of government laboratories in the effort. In this article the author m akes several suggestions regarding government's in promoting a nationa l heat transfer research effort. These suggestions evolve from the aut hors's experience a government laboratory, his monitoring of relevant research in industry and universities, and experience as a private con sultant. In essence the suggestions focus on strengthening the ties an d interdependence of the university, industry, and government heat tra nsfer communities. The constraints of a tighter economy, plus limited facilities and personnel, require the strengthening of these ties in o rder to meet the challenge of advancing the science and technology of heat transfer through carefully selected and executed research.