Nusselt number correlation for natural convection from vertical cylinders with triangular fins
Abstract In this study, natural convection from vertical cylinders with triangular fins was experimentally investigated with various fin numbers, fin heights, and base temperatures. From the experimental data, we propose a correlation for estimating the Nusselt number, which is applicable when the Rayleigh number, ratio of the fin height to fin length, and fin number are in the ranges of 1000 120,000, 0.2 0.6, and 9 72, respectively. Using this correlation, a contour map depicting the thermal resistance as a function of the fin number and fin thickness is presented. This contour map shows the existence of the fin number and fin thickness, at which the thermal resistance is minimized.