Question

Hot air is to be cooled as it is forced to flow through the tubes exposed to atmospheric air. Fins are to be added in order to enhance heat transfer. Would you recommend attaching the fins inside or outside the tubes? Why? When would you recommend auaching fins both inside and outside the tubes?

Answer 1

• Fins should be attached outside the tube
• Fins can be attached on both sides when convection coefficient of air inside the tube is equal to the convection coefficient of atmospheric air outside the tube

Step-by-step explanation:

The main function of the fins that are to be added is to ensure the speedy transfer of heat from the Hot air.

The fins should be attached outside the tube because the convection coefficient of air is higher inside the tube than the convection coefficient of the outside air ( atmospheric air ), BUT

When convection coefficient of air inside the tube is equal to the atmospheric air outside the tube, it is recommended that the fins can be added on both sides of the tube ( i.e. in and outside the tube )