The effect of attack angle θ，shape angle β and span Δy of a vortex generator on the local heat transfer performance of in-line arranged round tube fin elements were studied with naphthalene sublimation mass/heat analogy experiment.The results showed that the heat transfer ability of the rear region was greatly increased by the vortex generator.For the given Re，Nu increased with the increase of attack angle and the decrease of shape angle.The swirl affecting region was enlarged with a smaller shape angle，so heat transfer was improved.For a smaller Re，heat transfer was greatly enhanced with a smaller span of the vortex generator.