Experimental study of the effect of non-circular flow geometry on the critical heat flux

An experimental study of the effect of flow geometry (circular, rectangular , triangular, and dumb-bell shaped) on the critical heat flux (CHF) was per formed using R-134a as a coolant. The CHF is affected by the following geom etric parameters: hydraulic-equivalent diameter, heated length, gap size, c hannel shape, and curvature. It may also be affected by the thermal conduct ivity of the wall material and wall thickness. The effect of flow geometry on CHF is influenced by flow parameters. The effect of these parameters on CHF was examined, and recommendations for predicting the CHF in non-circula r geometries have been made. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights rese rved.