Book Review, continued (back) What sets this volume
apart is the sheer number of correlations in the back of the book, neatly sorted into several appendices. Especially useful is Appendix H, which contains common correlations for external forced convection.
The table describes the physical situation, gives the correlation and its range of validity, the reference, and even the temperature at which to evaluate the fluid properties.The body of the
text is also jam-packed. Helpful sketches and diagrams illustrate key points and give additional data. Each section has a comprehensive literature review, with the essential conclusions and application info
distilled for the reader. For example,
"The insertion of a metal foil [in an interstitial space] will greatly enhance the thermal contact conductance; however, the foil must be very thin and soft to be effective. Foils are
extremely difficult to handle. The thermal contact resistance due to wrinkles or folds may actually increase if foils are not properly applied. In addition, foils in general cannot be reused."
Another good example of useful conclusions is this one about extended surfaces (fins):
"…fins effectively increase the heat transfer to or from a gas, and are less effective in a liquid, but offer little advantage in heat transfer involving boiling and condensation."
This emphasis on utility in decision-making is what makes this book so valuable. Another valuable feature is the breadth of subject matter. This book covers the usual fundamental heat
transfer topics, but also extends to electronics-specific subjects like thermal interface resistance, components and printed circuit boards, and direct air cooling and fans. Of particular interest to thermal
engineers on the edge of traditional cooling methods are the chapters on advanced cooling technologies, heat pipes, and thermoelectric coolers. If there is anything negative to say about the book, it is
that there is too much use of British units in the examples. In this writer's opinion, there is no reason whatever to perpetuate a system of units that is not the international standard. Fortunately,
the correlations are given in terms of dimensionless parameters, unlike some of the classic reference texts that leave one wondering what units are associated with the correlation constants. This focus on
dimensionless parameters also allows the reader to directly grasp the functional behavior of a system, and allows the reader to choose any consistent units. To summarize, this new book is a valuable addition to your reference bookshelf. ASME members get the discounted member price at ASME Press. |
