ASPECTS OF COMPLEXITY OF METAL-FIBROUS MICROSTRUCTURE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE HEAT EXCHANGERS: THERMAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The paper considers the application of metal – fibrous microstructures in the development of highly efficient heat exchangers. Such structures can be successfully used in air conditioning systems of modern planes or in heat pipes located in planes and spacecraft. Copper fibers of 50 mm diameter have been used to produce coatings of different volumetric porosity. The sintering process was used to produce the samples. Pool boiling heat transfer tests have been performed on the non – isothermal surfaces of the fin with distilled water and ethyl alcohol (99.8% purity) as boiling agents. A significant enhancement of heat transfer has been recorded with the use of the metal – fibrous microstructures in comparison to the smooth surface without any coating. The enhancement proved to vary considerably depending on the superheat value.