Optimum shape and dimensions of ducts for convective heat transfer in laminar flow at constant wall temperature

One knows that a certain geometry exists for a given pressure loss in a duc t, where maximum heat transfer occurs. In this work, the maximum heat trans fer and the optimum geometry for a given pressure loss have been calculated for forced convective heat transfer in different duct shapes for laminar f low conditions. Simple equations which enable calculation of these optimum values for all PI numbers and for all shapes of duct cross-sectional areas have been derived. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.