An experimental study of frost formation on a horizontal cylinder under cross flow

Frost layers formed on the front and rear surfaces of a horizontal cylinder during cross flow are found to be thicker than those at the top and bottom surfaces where the flow separation is nearly initiated. This observation was obtained in an experimental study carried out to examine frost formation on a horizontal cylinder given a cross flow condition. The thickness of the frost layer and the temperature distribution in the cylinder were measured for various experimental conditions. The local heat flux around the cylinder and the effective thermal conductivity of the frost layer were likewise evaluated, while thickness and surface temperature of the frost layer around the cylinder were measured periodically. These measurements were obtained by varying the Reynolds number, temperature, and humidity. The dew point temperature of the inlet air, however, was kept below the freezing point throughout the experiment. Results also reveal that inlet air velocity, temperature, and humidity affect thickness and thermal conductivity of the frost layer.