Modelling Heat Transfer Efficiency in Forced Convection Reflow Ovens

The investigation of the forced convection heating efficiency in reflow soldering environment and its necessity was presented in our paper. The calculations are based on the mass stream changes on the surface of the circuit, which have high impact on the convection constant. But all important stream variables (scalar space of the density, vector space of the speed, rotation etc.) were studied. The properties of the stream are studied separately: first until it reaches the circuit (laminar phase), then it reaches the circuit and the stream becomes radial (transition phase), and finally the stream on the surface of the circuit (radial phase). From the aspect of the forced convection efficiency the arrangement and the size of the components have high importance, so these circumstances are also taken into consideration. Finally, it was proven that the convection constant and the efficiency of force convection heating can be changed from side to side on the components. This effect can cause reflow soldering failures.