Heat transfer enhancement using vortex generators

Plate-fin heat transfer surfaces have been developed on which local vortex generators produce a set of contrarotating vortices between the fins to maximize heat transfer coefficients. The vortices persist well downstream of the generators, and test results on such a heat transfer device are presented which exhibit considerable heat transfer enhancement despite a modest vortex generator-induced pressure loss. The experimental results have made apparent that a Coburn 'j'-factor/'f'-factor ratio of more than 0.5 can be reached by these means.