2 publications
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Experimental and CFD Investigation of an Epoxy-Based Thermally Conductive Polymer Composite U-Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger: A Lightweight Alternative to Conventional Metal SystemsBy Pranay Karkal, Yash Padhen, Sunita Barve, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers continue to play a critical role in industrial thermal systems; however, their conventional design based on fully metallic materials often leads to challenges related to weight, corrosion, and cost. In recent years, thermally conductive polymer composites have emerged as promising alternatives, offering improved corrosion resistance and design flexibility. In this study, the thermo-hydraulic performance of a U-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger is investigated by partially replacing conventional metallic …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 685–700 Read article →
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Published Subscription Original Research Special issue
Thermo-Hydraulic Enhancement of Annular Finned Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composites: A Material–Geometry Coupled CFD InvestigationBy Omkar Karlekar, Prathmesh Galande, Om Pol, Sunita Barve, Pramod Kothmire
Abstract: Shell-and-tube heat exchangers remain a backbone of industrial thermal systems, yet their performance is often limited by relatively low shell-side heat transfer and the weight and cost associated with conventional metallic components. In this context, the integration of polymer composite materials offers a promising pathway toward lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and performance-tunable heat exchanger designs. The present study investigates the thermo-hydraulic performance of a straight-tube shell-and-tube heat exchanger equipped with annular fins, …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 669–684 Read article →