Heat transfer characteristics of cryogenic helium gas through a miniature tube with a large temperature difference

Abstract

Heat transfer with a large temperature difference between the inlet and outlet flows is often encountered in many cryogenic systems. The heat transfer characteristics of cryogenic gas with temperature-dependent thermophysical properties (TDTP) are different from those in the ambient condition with constant thermophysical properties. In this paper, a combined experimental and numerical study has been conducted to determine the heat transfer characteristics of cryogenic helium gas with temperature-dependent thermophysical properties in a miniature tube. In order to validate the theoretical model, an experimental investigation was conducted. Utilizing the validated model with the FLUENT software, the temperature distribution and velocity profile in a miniature tube have been calculated, and a correlation predicting the temperature effect on the Nusselt number determined. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.