Electroconvection in a wire-cylinder geometry with forced flow and its effect on heat transfer

The authors focus on a coaxial wire-cylinder geometry, which appears to be a realistic configuration for a heat exchanger, and consider forced flows with low Reynolds numbers. The high electric field existing on the small diameter wire generally results in a strong injection even when highly insulating liquids are used. The subsequent turbulent motion augments the heat transfer between the outer cylindrical wall and the flowing liquid. The authors examine the properties of the different regimes of electroconvection and the influence of the flow on the passage of electric current. The Nusselt number Nu varies as I/sup gamma /, where gamma approximately=0.4. Dimensional arguments and rough analyses are presented to explain some of the experimental results.<>