ISSN Online: 2377-424X
International Heat Transfer Conference 5
THE EFFECT OF A TRANSVERSE ELECTROSTATIC FIELD ON LAMINAR FLOW HEAT TRANSFER IN A RECTANGULAR DUCT
Abstract
This paper is concerned with the substantial increases in heat transfer rate at the upper surface of a
horizontal duct, of rectangular cross section, which accompany the application of an electrical field
between the upper and lower surfaces of the duct. With the exception of low field conditions, the effect
of a d.c. was to increase heat transfer coefficients considerably, 80−100% being common. The paper
discusses the mechanism of this process, the conditions under which electroconvection is initiated, and
the effect of the field on heat transfer rates and axial pressure drop.