Performance analysis of rectangular ducts with staggered square pin fins

This paper presents the heat transfer and friction characteristics and performance analysis of convective heat transfer through a rectangular channel with square cross-section pin fins attached over a flat surface. The pin fins were arranged in a staggered manner. Various clearance ratios (C/H) and interfin distance ratios (S-x/D) were used. The performance analysis was made under a constant pumping power constraint. The experimental results showed that the use of square cross-section pin fins may lead to an advantage on the basis of heat transfer enhancement. For higher thermal performance, lower interfin distance ratio and clearance ratio and comparatively lower Reynolds numbers should be preferred for the staggered arrangement. The results of the staggered configurations were also compared with the results of the inline arrangement. (C) 2002 Elsevier. Science Ltd. All rights reserved.