variavel0=Rudmar, Serafim Matos - rudmar@demec.ufpr.br UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARANÁ José, Viriato Coelho Vargas - jvargas@demec.ufpr.br UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO PARANÁ Abstract. In this study, a heat transfer analysis was performed in circular and elliptic finned tubes heat exchangers. The experimental results were obtained, for the equilateral triangle staggering configuration. This work was conducted to obtain the total heat transfer rate between the tubes and the external flow, both for circular and elliptic finned tubes arrangements, for a configuration with S/2b=1 in a fixed volume. The results are reported for air in the range 22000 Re 2000 L Ł Ł , where L is the swept length of the fixed volume. Circular and elliptical finned tubes arrangements with the same flow obstruction area were compared on the basis of total heat transfer. The results permitted the identification of an important geometric optimization parameter, i.e., the optimum spacing between fins. A relative heat transfer gain of up to 18 % is observed in the optimal elliptical arrangement, as compared to the optimal circular one for S/2b=1. The heat transfer gain, combined with the relative pressure drop reduction of up to 25 % observed in previous studies (Bordalo et al, 1995; Brauer, 1964) shows that the elliptical arrangement has the potential for a considerably better overall performance than the conventional circular one. Keywords. Heat Transfer, Pressure Drop, Geometric Optimization.