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8 articles for “lightweight heat exchanger”
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Thermo-hydraulic Performance of Annular-Finned Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger: Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Metallic and Polymer Composite Tube Wall Materials
Abstract: Double-pipe heat exchangers are central to the process industries — dependable, easily maintained, and straightforward to fabricate. Their conventional form relies on metallic tube materials, most often copper or stainless steel. Both metals conduct heat well, but they are dense, prone to corrosion in aggressive service environments, and increasingly at odds with the light-weighting goals that drive modern system design. Fibre-reinforced polymer composites, epoxy-based materials, and thermally enhanced thermoplastics such …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 891–909 Read article
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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 Systems
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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Corrugated Tube Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composite Coatings for Lightweight and Efficient Thermal Systems
Abstract: Corrugated tube geometries are widely recognized for their ability to enhance heat transfer through boundary layer disruption and secondary flow generation. In this study, a combined experimental and computational investigation is carried out to evaluate the thermo-hydraulic performance of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger incorporating corrugated stainless steel tubes integrated with an epoxy-based polymer composite coating and housed within a mild steel shell. Unlike conventional metallic systems, the present work introduces …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 603–617 Read article
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Advancements in Heat Exchanger Design for Improved HVAC System Efficiency
Abstract: Due to their direct impact on usage of energy, operational effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, heat exchangers have become vital components of the air conditioning, ventilation, and heating (HVAC) systems. The growing demand for energy-efficient HVAC solutions has driven extensive research and development efforts aimed at improving heat exchanger performance. Traditional designs, such as shell-and-tube and fin-and-tube heat exchangers, have long been utilized in HVAC applications. Nevertheless, these traditional types frequently …
Published in Journal of Refrigeration, Air conditioning, Heating and ventilation · Vol. 12, Issue 1, 2025 · pp. 44–52 Read article
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Thermo-Hydraulic Enhancement of Annular Finned Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using Epoxy-Based Polymer Composites: A Material–Geometry Coupled CFD Investigation
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
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Design and Analysis of S-Glass Heat Exchanger
Abstract: This research work focuses on the composite material named S-Glass fibre Heat Exchanger, since the existing designs of heat exchangers are generally made up of metals which produce a critical amount of heat loss to the surrounding from the shell. These are also less corrosive resistant, have low life and high weight. To overcome these drawbacks, use of composite materials has become essential. There is a need to redesign it …
Published in Journal of Thermal Engineering and Applications Read article
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Advancements In Al6061 Metal Matrix Composites: The Role of SiC, Al₂O₃, and Graphite Reinforcements in Enhancing Properties and Applications
Abstract: Al6061-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC), graphite (Gr), and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) exhibit a unique combination of mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties, making them highly suitable for advanced engineering applications. SiC enhances hardness, wear resistance, and load-bearing capacity, while Al₂O₃ improves thermal stability and mechanical strength. Graphite provides self-lubricating properties, reduces friction, and lowers the composite's density, improving fatigue resistance. The synergy of combining these reinforcements …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 3, 2025 · pp. 90–98 Read article
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Enhancement of Thermo-hydraulic Properties of a Novel Composite-Based Spiral Fin Tube Heat Exchanger: An Experimental Investigation
Abstract: It is now crucial for engineers to enhance procedures and boost heat exchanger efficiency. Heat exchanger performance can be significantly enhanced by a variety of methods. Composite-based fins or enlarged surfaces are frequently utilized to increase the air-side heat transfer rate in a variety of heat transfer applications. Because composite materials are lightweight, highly thermally conductive, and resistant to corrosion, they were used. A composite based fin's efficiency is influenced …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 5, 2025 · pp. 238–251 Read article