Abstract
Hands-on experience such as laboratory practices can be beneficial as students gain a better perspective of the theory presented in class. However, acquisition of these types of equipment can be expensive for institutions in developing countries. The heat transfer phenomena are an imperative topic to understand for undergraduate engineering students in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum as well as other engineering disciplines. For these reasons, a test bench design and experimentation project for heat transfer phenomena is being carried out. In this study, the design of a test bench for the analysis of extended surfaces under varying convection conditions is proposed. The test bench proposed uses locally available materials as well as an open-source interface (Arduino-based). The test bench offers the ability to easily mount and dismount different fin models and arrays. An experimental procedure is developed over three types of fins: straight rectangular fins, rectangular pin fins, and rectangular fin array under natural and forced convection. The design also contemplates a flow velocity controller that will allow the study of forced convection under steady state and transient conditions. The test bench follows national safety standards so that students can freely manipulate the different arrays under laboratory technician supervision. A cost analysis between importing the equipment to the assembly with local suppliers was also conducted. The design is expected to contribute to engineering programs providing a cost-effective solution for a hands-on laboratory experience.
