Design and Fabrication of Heat Transfer Surfaces from Superplastic Material

The production of complex heat transfer surfaces (i.e., those without straight fins) is restricted by available fabrication techniques, materials, geometries, and cost. Based on the superplastic sheet thermoforming process, a new technique for fabricating these complex surfaces by a relatively simple, low cost process has been developed. The resulting surfaces have excellent heat transfer characteristics and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Surface design is discussed, and heat transfer and flow friction test data on various surface patterns are presented. The application of these results to unique design situations is demonstrated and particular examples are discussed.