Abstract: Using rolling-ploughing-extrusion compound processing methods, a 3D integral-fin structure on outside surface of red copper tube with diameter of 16.0 mm and wall thickness of 1.5 mm was obtained. When both rolling depth and ploughing-extrusion (P-E) depth were 0.2 mm, rotating speed was 50 r/min, feed speed was 0.16 mm/r, 3D fin structures with height of 0.25 mm were gotten. Two different fin structures were obtained in grooves formed with rolling-ploughing-extrusion compound forming technology and observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM). One is the compound structure with V-shaped groove and U-shaped groove, and the other is the single structure with V-shaped grooves. Two kinds of groove structures obtained by rolling processing and ploughing extrusion processing are restricted together by groove interval and rolling depth, and pitch and P-E depth, respectively. Based on the analysis of interaction of rolling and P-E processing, it is found from the result that the outside 3D integral-fin can be achieved by rolling-ploughing-extrusion compound processing when single V-shaped groove structures are formed by both rolling and P-E processing.

Key words: integral fin copper tubes; enhanced heat transfer; rolling; ploughing-extrusion(P-E)