Write an appropriate dimensionless correlation for the average Nusselt number for these

data and state any limitations to your equation.

GIVEN
• Forced convection of air over a cylinder
• Experimental data given above
FIND
• An appropriate dimensionless correlation for the average Nusselt number
SOLUTION
The data lies along an approximately straight line on the log-log graph. Therefore, a straight line fit
will be used. Choosing two points on the graph
[NuD = 1, (ReD) (Pr) = 1] and [NuD = 100, (ReD) (Pr) = 1000]
A straight line on the log-log plot is represented by
log (NuD) = a log (ReD Pr) + b
Substituting the two points into the equation and solving for a and b
log (1) = a log (1) + b → b = 0
log (100) = a log (1000) + b → a = 0.667
Therefore
log (NuD) = 0.667 log (ReD Pr)
or
NuD = (ReD Pr)0.667
This is based on data in the range 1 < Red Pr < 103 and is therefore valid only in this range.
PROBLEM 4.20
Engine oil at 100°C flows over and parallel to a flat surface at a velocity of 3 m/s.
Calculate the thickness of the hydrodynamic boundary layer at a distance 0.3 m from the
leading edge of the surface.
GIVEN
• Engine oil flows over a flat surface
• Engine oil temperature (Tb) = 100°C
• Engine oil velocity (U∞) = 3 m/s
FIND
• The hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness (δ) at a distance 0.3 m from the leading edge
ASSUMPTIONS
• Steady state
SKETCH
Oil
U• = 3 m/s
Tb = 100°C d

0. 3 m
x

336
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PROPERTIES AND CONSTANTS
From Appendix 2, Table 16, for engine oil at 100°C
Kinematic viscosity (ν) = 20.3 × 10–6 m2/s
SOLUTION
The local Reynolds 0.3 m from the leading edge based on the bulk fluid temperature is
U∞ x 3.0 m/s ( 0.3m )
Rex = = = 4.43 × 104
ν 20.3 × 10 –6 m 2 /s
Since Rex < 5 × 105, the boundary layer is laminar. The boundary layer thickness for laminar flow over
a flat plate is given by Equation (4.28)
5x 5 ( 0.3 m )
δ= = = 7.1 × 10–3 m = 7.1 mm
Rex 4.43 × 10 4

PROBLEM 4.21
Assuming a linear velocity distribution and a linear temperature distribution in the
boundary layer over a flat plate, derive a relation between the thermal and hydrodynamic
boundary-layer thicknesses and the Prandtl number.
GIVEN
• Boundary layer over a flat plate
FIND
• A relation between the thermal and hydrodynamic boundary-layer thicknesses and the Prandtl
number
ASSUMPTIONS
• Linear velocity and temperature distributions in the boundary layers
SKETCH
U•
u = 0.99U• T = 0.99T•
T•
y Ts

u=0 T = Ts

SOLUTION
Let Absolute viscosity of the fluid = μ
Plate surface temperature = Ts
Bulk fluid temperature = T∞
Bulk fluid viscosity = U∞
Density of the fluid = ρ
Thermal diffusivity of the fluid = α
The linear velocity profile will be used to solve the integral momentum equation first. The integral
energy equation will then be solved and combined with the momentum solution.
Linear velocity profile: u = uo + ay
Subject to u = 0 at y = 0 → uo = 0
u = 0.99 U∞ ≈ U∞ at y = δ → a = U∞ /δ
therefore u = (U∞/δ)y

337
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