Heat Transfer to Cryogenic Hydrogen at Supercritical Pressures

Abstract

Evaluation of available data [1–3] on heat transfer to gaseous normal hydrogen at supercritical temperatures and moderate pressures indicates that our knowledge of the parameters controlling the heat-transfer process, particularly at high heat fluxes for conditions of high pressures, high fluid velocities, and high wall-to-bulk temperature ratios, is as yet incomplete. The objective of the experimental program was to obtain additional information under these conditions, using liquid parahydrogen as the test fluid. Tests were conducted at fluid pressures ranging between 680 and 1344 psia, while the inlet temperature of the test fluid to the test section was varied from 55° to 102°R. Outer wall tube temperatures were limited to a maximum of 18G0°R. The mass flow rate was characterized by Reynolds numbers from 2.6 • 10⁵ to 17.4. 10⁵.

This work was conducted for the Rocket Development Division, Air Force Flight Test Center, ARDC, USAF, Edwards Air Force Base, California under Contract AF 33(616)-5552, A complete summary may be found in AFFTC-TR-61–52 (Aerojet Report No. 1842), July 1960.