Condensation heat transfer fundamentals

The paper gives an outline and discussion of those aspects of condensation heat transfer theory which are relatively well understood. For free convection condensation, the Nusselt approximations (neglect of inertia, convection and surface shear stress) are discussed separately. The effects of interphase matter transfer and variable wall temperature, not considered by Nusselt, are also discussed. Complications arising in forced convection condensation, where the condensate film is significantly affected by surface shear stress, are outlined. The present status of dropwise condensation theory and measurements is also briefly reviewed.