EDITOR'S COMMENTS

Abstract

Unlike some "academic" journals, the Journal of Enhanced Heat Transfer (JEHT) consciously seeks publishable information from engineers in industrial organizations. Industry has led the way in the creation and development of enhanced heat surfaces and their application to industrial equipment. The role of academia has largely been to follow these industrial advances and "explain how the surfaces work." Both types of contributions are important if a technology is to expand and develop. However, we do not wish that this journal be totally dominated by academic contributions. Therefore, JEHT incorporates Technology Editors, whose central focus is industrial interests. These editors provide the journal's distinctive Technology Review section as well as an annual review of the patent literature. However, this is just a first step and does not encompass the range of possible input from industry. Engineers in industry have special concerns and problems that academics do not. The proprietary nature of most industrial work is an important factor that prevents much of high quality industrial research from being published. Patents are an important means by which industry publishes technology advances. What is the "answer" to obtaining broader industrial participation? There are several possible avenues that we would like to explore to create a broad forum for industrial input. Presently, we would like to suggest three possibilities for your consideration. First, we invite papers that describe the application of enhancement technology (e.g., a "case study"). Second, authors can submit short communications, which may run only one or two pages that describe a concept, an application for enhanced heat transfer, a statement of a "research need," or provide data. And finally, the third option involves industrial input for the Technology Review section. The Technology Editors seek to keep you abreast of current topics in enhanced heat transfer and will be appreciative of your input. A new product, which uses enhanced heat transfer surfaces or a newly issued patent would be possibilities. Photos and drawings are encouraged. Authors may submit a very brief statement to the Editor-in-Chief or to the Technology Editor of your choice. Of course, all published reviews will be fully attributed. Perhaps our readers may have other ideas on possible avenues for industrial participation. If so, please contact me, or any of the editors, and let us know your thoughts. Remember that the journal will consider publication of good papers previously presented in conference proceedings or from societies whose publications receive limited distribution. Such papers will be assigned to a JEHT Editor and subjected to peer review. The next issue, volume 2, numbers 1 and 2, will be a "special double issue" which will contain selected papers presented at the International Center for Heat and Mass Transfer Conference, New Developments in Heat Exchangers, held in Lisbon, September 1993. Professors N. H. Afgan and Maria da Graça Carvalho will serve as Guest Editors for this issue. The Editors have attempted to select the best of these papers for the journal and subjected them to rigorous peer review and revision as necessary.