Glass-Ceramic Surfaces, Straight Triangular Passages—Heat Transfer and Flow Friction Characteristics

Basic heat transfer and flow friction design data are presented for three straight, triangular passage, glass-ceramic heat exchanger surfaces. These surfaces have heat transfer area density ratios ranging from 1300–2400 ft²/ft³, corresponding to a passage count of 526–2215 passages per sq in. Glass-ceramic heat exchangers are of importance to vehicular gas turbine technology as they give promise of allowing low mass-production costs for the high effectiveness rotary regenerator required in most of the vehicular turbine engine concepts now under development. The present data are compared to previously available conflicting information and are recommended for design purposes, with stipulated specification relating to the uniformity of passages. Additionally, some limited information is provided relating to the low fouling characteristics of glass ceramic surfaces in the rotary regenerator application.