Numerical solution of the two-phase, three dimensional boundary layer in laminar film condensation over a curved surface

An analysis is performed to study the effects of the body force on the heat transfer characteristics of laminar filmwise condensation over curved surface, which is either maintained at a uniform temperature or subjected to a uniform heat flux. The governing equations describing the boundary layers are transformed to nondimensional forms and then solved by a two-point implicit finite difference method. Numerical results for the velocity and temperature distributions, the local mass transfer in both the streamwise and crosswise directions, the local Nusselt number and the local skin friction are represented for Pradtl numbers of 0.00346 and 1.74 with three values of the body force and for two values of temperature potentials across the liquid film. Generally, it is found that for both surface heating conditions, the local mass transfer in the crosswise direction, the crosswise velocity and the local Nusselt number increases with an increase in the body force. In addition, an increase in the body force results in control of the liquid layer thickness and thus an improvement in the condensation heat transfer.