Topics III:

Heat Transfer
ME 429 Topics 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Conduction

Conduction is a mode of heat transfer in which heat is transferred by molecular interaction through
bodies in contact.

Conduction through a plane wall:

ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 c𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒

𝑘𝐴(𝑡ℎ − 𝑡𝑙 ) 𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑙
𝑄=
𝑥
𝑸
where:
Q = heat transmitted, W x = thickness of the wall
th = surface temp. on the hot side A = heat transfer area
tl = surface temp. on the hot side
k = thermal conductivity W/m-K
𝑥
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Conduction
Conduction through multiple walls: 𝑘1 𝑘2 𝑘3
ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 c𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
𝑘1 𝐴(𝑡1 − 𝑡2 ) 𝑘2 𝐴(𝑡2 − 𝑡3 )
𝑄1 = 𝑄2 =
𝑥1 𝑥2 𝒕𝟏 𝒕𝟐 𝒕𝟑 𝒕𝟒

𝑘3 𝐴(𝑡2 − 𝑡3 ) 𝑸
𝑄3 =
𝑥3

𝐴 (𝑡1 − 𝑡4 ) 𝑥1 𝑥1 𝑥1
𝑄= 𝑥 𝑅𝑇 = + + 𝑥1 𝑥2 𝑥3
𝑥 𝑥 𝑘1 𝑘1 𝑘1
1
+ 2+ 3
𝑘1 𝑘2 𝑘3
For steady state
RT = Overall resistance 𝑸 = 𝑸 𝟏 = 𝑸𝟐 = 𝑸𝟑
heat transfer:
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Conduction
Conduction from fluid to fluid: 𝑘1 𝑘2 𝑘3
ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 c𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
𝑄𝑖 = ℎ𝑖 𝐴 𝑡𝑖 − 𝑡1 𝑄𝑜 = ℎ𝑜 𝐴 𝑡4 − 𝑡𝑜

𝒕𝟏 𝒕𝟐 𝒕𝟑 𝒕𝟒
𝐴 (𝑡𝑖 − 𝑡𝑜 )
𝑄=
1 𝑥1 𝑥2 𝑥3 1
+ + + + 𝒉𝒊 𝒉𝒐 𝑸
ℎ𝑖 𝑘1 𝑘2 𝑘3 ℎ𝑜

where:
hi = surface film conductance inside 𝑥2 𝑥3
1 𝑥1
ho = surface film conductance outside 𝑈=
U = Overall Conductance 𝑅𝑇
For steady state
𝑸 = 𝑸 𝟏 = 𝑸𝟐 = 𝑸𝟑
heat transfer:
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Conduction
Conduction through pipe:

∆𝑡 𝑡1 − 𝑡2 𝑡1 − 𝑡2
𝑄= = 𝑟 = 2
𝑅𝑇 ln 2ൗ𝑟1 𝑑
ln 2ൗ𝑑
1
2𝜋𝑘𝐿 2𝜋𝑘𝐿

𝑸
where: 1
RT = Resistance to heat flow
k = Thermal conductivity
L = Length
𝑟1 𝑟2
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Conduction
Conduction through pipe: 𝟑

𝑡1 − 𝑡2 𝑡2 − 𝑡3
𝑄1 = 𝑟 𝑄2 = 𝑟
ln 2ൗ𝑟1 ln 3ൗ𝑟2 𝟐
2𝜋𝑘1 𝐿 2𝜋𝑘2 𝐿

𝟏
𝑡1 − 𝑡3
𝑸
𝑄= 𝑟 𝑟
ln 2ൗ𝑟1 ln 3ൗ𝑟2
+ 𝑟3
2𝜋𝑘1 𝐿 2𝜋𝑘2 𝐿
𝑟2
𝑟1
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Conduction
Conduction from fluids through pipes: 𝟑

𝑄𝑖 = ℎ𝑖 𝐴𝑖 𝑡𝑖 − 𝑡1 𝑄𝑜 = ℎ𝑜 𝐴𝑜 𝑡3 − 𝑡𝑜

𝟐
𝑡𝑖 − 𝑡𝑜 𝒉𝒊
𝑄= 𝑟 𝑟
1 ln 2ൗ𝑟1 ln 3ൗ𝑟2 1 𝟏
+ + + 𝒉𝒐 𝑸
𝐴𝑖 ℎ𝑖 2𝜋𝑘1 𝐿 2𝜋𝑘2 𝐿 𝐴 𝑜 ℎ𝑜

where: 𝑟3
Ai = Surface area inside = 2𝜋𝑟1 𝐿 𝑟2
Ao = Surface area outside =2𝜋𝑟2 𝐿 𝑟1
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Convection

● Convection denotes energy transfer

between a surface and a fluid moving
over the surface.
● Convection is heat transfer by mass
motion of a fluid such as air or water
when the heated fluid is caused to move
away from the source of heat, carrying
energy with it.
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Classifications of Convection

● Forced Convection is a special type of heat

transfer in which fluids are forced to move, in order
to increase the heat transfer. This forcing can be
done with the use of heat pumps (fan,suction
device, etc.)
● Natural Convection is a form of convection heat
transfer in which the driver of the bulk motion is
self-induced forces. These forces may be due to
temperature gradients.
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Physical Mechanism of Convection

● Conduction and convection both require the
presence of a material medium, but convection
requires fluid motion.

● Convection heat transfer strongly depends on the

fluid properties dynamic viscosity, thermal
conductivity, density, and specific heat, as well as
the fluid velocity. It also depends on the geometry
and the roughness of the solid surface, in addition
to the type of fluid flow (such as being streamlined
or turbulent).
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Convection Heat Transfer

We use these certain equation when we deal with convection heat transfer:

Convective heat transfer with known specific heat: Surface Convection formula:

𝑄 = 𝑚𝑐𝑝 ∆𝑡 𝑄 = ℎ𝑐 𝐴∆𝑡
where:
where: A = heat transfer area, m2
m = mass flow rate cp = specific heat kJ/kg-°C
cp = specific heat kJ/kg-°C
Convection heat transfer coefficient, h: The rate of heat transfer
Δt = temperature difference
between a solid surface and a fluid per unit surface area per unit
temperature difference.
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Factors of Convection Heat Transfer

● Convection heat transfer strongly depends on

- Fluid properties: dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity,
density, and specific heat
- Flow conditions: fluid velocity, laminar, turbulence.
- Surface geometry: geometry, the surface roughness of the
solid surface.
● In fact, the question of convection heat transfer comes down to
determining the heat transfer coefficient, h.
● This MAINLY depends on the velocity and thermal boundary layers.
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Dimensionless groups in Heat Convection

We know that there are certain properties of fluids affects the heat transfer through convection such as,
dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat :

Reynold’s Number: a dimensionless number which is

significant in the design of a model of a system in
which the effect of viscosity is important. where:
V = Velocity, m/s
𝑉𝐷 D = diameter used as characteristic length
𝑁𝑅𝐸 =
𝜇𝑘 μk = kinematic viscosity, m2/s
μd = dynamic viscosity, Pa-s
𝜌 = density, kg/m3
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Dimensionless groups in Heat Convection

Prandlt Number: The relative thickness of the velocity and the thermal
boundary layers is best described by the dimensionless parameter Prandtl
number 𝜇𝑑 𝑐𝑝
𝑁𝑃𝑇 =
𝑘
The Prandtl numbers of gases are about 1, which indicates that both
momentum and heat dissipate through the fluid at about the same rate.

Heat diffuses very where:

quickly in liquid metals (Pr << 1) and cp = specific heat kJ/kg-°C
very slowly in oils (Pr >> 1) relative to momentum. μd = dynamic viscosity, Pa-s
𝑘 = thermal conductivity
Consequently, the thermal boundary layer is much thicker for liquid
metals and much thinner for oils relative to the velocity boundary layer.
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Dimensionless groups in Heat Convection

We know that there are certain properties of fluids affects the heat transfer through convection such as,
dynamic viscosity, thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat :

Nusselt Number:
● The Nusselt number represents the enhancement of ℎ𝐷
heat transfer through a fluid layer as a result of 𝑁𝑁𝑈 =
𝑘
convection relative to conduction across the same
fluid layer.
● The larger the Nusselt number, the more effective the where:
convection. D = diameter used as characteristic length
● A Nusselt number of Nu = 1 for a fluid layer represents h = heat coefficient
heat transfer across the layer by pure conduction. 𝑘 = thermal conductivity
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Dimensionless groups in Heat Convection

Grashof Number: When a surface is subjected to
external flow, the problem involves both natural and
forced convection. 𝐷3 𝜌2 𝛽𝑔∆𝑡
𝑁𝐺𝑅 =
𝜇𝑑2
The relative importance of each mode of heat transfer is
determined by the value of the coefficient Gr/Re2: where:
Natural convection effects are negligible if Gr/Re2 << 1. D = diameter used as characteristic length
𝜌 = density, kg/m3
Natural convection dominates and the forced convection 𝛽 = coefficient of thermal expansion
effects are negligible if Gr/Re2 >> 1. g = gravitational constant
𝑘 = thermal conductivity
Both effects are significant and must be considered if μd = dynamic viscosity, Pa-s
Gr/Re2 » 1 (mixed convection).
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Definition of Radiation

● Radiation is the mode of heat transfer

through electromagnetic wave. Anything
whose temperature is above the
surrounding will always radiate heat of
significant amount.
● There are different laws governing
radiation heat transfer such as, Planck’s
law, Kirchhoff’s Law and Stefan-Boltzmann
Law.
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

The Concept of a Perfect Black Body

The perfect black body is a body that absorbs all electromagnetic radiation. It absorbs all wavelength such no
reflection occurs. When radiant energy falls on a body, a part of it may be absorbed, part would be reflected,
and the remainder transmitted through the body.

In mathematical form:

𝑎+𝑟+𝑡 =1

where:
a = absorptivity or the fraction of the total energy absorbed
r = reflectivity or the fraction of the total energy reflected
t = transmitted or the fraction of the total energy transmitted through the body
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer
Laws Governing Heat Transfer through radiation
Planck’s Law
All substances emit, radiation, the quantity and
quality of which depends upon the absolute
temperature and the properties of the material,
composing the radiating body.
Kirchhoff’s Law
For bodies in thermal equilibrium with their
environment, the ratio of total emissive power to
the absorptivity is constant at any temperature.
Stefan-Boltzmann Law
The total energy emitted by a black body is
proportional to the fourth power to the absolute
temperature of the body.
𝑄 = 𝑒𝜎𝐴 𝑇14 − 𝑇24
where:
Q = heat transmitted through radiation, J/s or W
e = emissivity factor (from 0 to 1.0)
𝜎 = 5.67 x 10-8 W/m2
T1 = absolute temperature of surface radiating the heat.
T2 = absolute temperature of surface receiving the heat.
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Heat Radiation Computation

Sample Problem:
An uninsulated steam pipe passes through a room in which the air and walls are at 25 °C. The outside diameter of the
pipe is 70 mm, and its surface temperature and emissivity are 200 °C and 0.80 respectively. If the coefficient
associated with free convection heat transfer from the surface to the air is 15 W/m2-K, what is the rate of heat loss
from the surface per unit length of pipe?
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Classifications of Heat Exchanger

Heat exchangers wherein a fluid at

constant temperature gives up heat to a
colder fluid the temperature of which 𝑡𝑎′ 𝑡𝑏′
gradually increases as it flows through

Temperature
∆𝑡𝑏
the device. The heating fluid can be at
rest or moving in any direction. An ∆𝑡𝑎
𝑡𝑏
example would be a steam condenser.

𝑡𝑎

Length
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Classifications of Heat Exchanger

Devices wherein a fluid at constant

temperature receives heat from a warmer
𝑡𝑎′
fluid the temperature of which decreases
as it flows through the exchanger. The

Temperature
heated fluid can be at rest or moving in
𝑡𝑏′
any direction. An example of this type is a ∆𝑡𝑎
steam boiler ∆𝑡𝑏

𝑡𝑎 𝑡𝑏

Length
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Classifications of Heat Exchanger

Parallel flow heat exchangers wherein 𝑡𝑎′

the fluids flow in the same direction and
both of them change their temperature.

Temperature
Examples of these types are water 𝑡𝑏′
heaters, oil heaters and coolers. ∆𝑡𝑎
∆𝑡𝑏

𝑡𝑏

𝑡𝑎

Length
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Classifications of Heat Exchanger

Counterflow heat exchangers wherein 𝑡𝑎′

the fluids flow in direction opposite to
one another. This possible the most
∆𝑡𝑎

Temperature
favorable kind of fluid heaters and 𝑡𝑏′
coolers.
𝑡𝑏
∆𝑡𝑏

𝑡𝑎

Length
ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Classifications of Heat Exchanger

Logarithmic Mean Temperature Arithmetic Mean Temperature

Difference (LMTD) Difference (AMTD)

∆𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑥 − ∆𝑡𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = ∆𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑥 + ∆𝑡𝑚𝑖𝑛
∆𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝐴𝑀𝑇𝐷 =
ln 2
∆𝑡𝑚𝑖𝑛
 ME 429 Topics III
Module Topic: Heat Transfer

Heat Radiation Computation

Sample Problem:
A liquid-to-liquid counterflow heat exchanger is used to heat a cold fluid from 120 °F to 310 °F. Assuming that the got
fluid enters at 500 °F and leaves at 400 °F, calculate the LMTD.