Fundamentals of Convective

Heat Transfer
Dr. D V N J Jagannadha Rao
Associate Professor
Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering
Understanding convective heat transfer
• Convective heat flux
qc  h Ts  T 
• The above equation is also called as Newton’s law of cooling
• Convective heat transfer coefficient is a complicated function of
the nature of fluid flow, thermal properties of the fluid and
configuration of the system
• Due to variation of flow conditions from point to point the values
of and h along the surface also vary
qc heat transfer coefficient at any point and this
• We obtain a local
may be integrated to find the average heat transfer coefficient,
consequently average convective heat flux
• Hence the study of convective heat transfer is important
 Boundary layer theory
 The concept of a boundary layer as proposed by Prandtl (1904)
forms starting point for the simplification of the equations of
motion and energy
 In this concept the flow field over a body is divided into two
regions
o A thin region near the body called the boundary layer where
the velocity and temperature gradients are large
o The region outside the boundary layer where the velocity
and temperature gradients are very nearly equal to their
free stream values
 The thickness of the boundary layer has been arbitrar ily defined
as the distance from the free surface at which the local velocity
(or temperature) reaches 99% of the free stream velocity (or
temperature)
 In general both velocity boundary layer and thermal boundary
layer will exist simultaneously
Velocity boundary layer on a flat plate
• The velocity of the flow in front of the leading edge is u
uniform,
• The velocity of the fluid is reduced to zero relative to the
surface
• This results in retardation of the fluid particles in the adjoining
fluid layers until at a distance y = δ from the surface (called
the boundary layer thickness)
• The deceleration of the fluid particles in the boundary layer is
associated with shear stress τ
• The velocity of the
u fluid outside the boundary layer is the free
stream velocity,
• The thickness of the boundary layer increases
with x
• For external flows, the velocity boundary layer
provides the basis for determining the skin
friction coefficient, C from which the surface
f

frictional drag can be calculated

s
C f 
1
 u 2
2
• The surface shear stress can also be
determined by knowing velocity gradient at
the surface
du
s  
dy y 0
Development of velocity boundary layer on a
flat plate
• Initially boundary layer development is laminar
• Depending upon the flow field and fluid properties at some
critical distance from the leading edge small disturbances in
the flow begin to get amplified a transition process takes
place and the flow becomes turbulent
• In laminar boundary layer the fluid motion is highly ordered
where as the motion in turbulent boundary layer is highly
irregular with the fluid moving in all directions
• Due to fluid mixing resulting from these macroscopic motion
the turbulent boundary layer is thicker and velocity is flatter
• The critical distance x c beyond which the
flow cannot retain laminar character is usually
specified as critical Reynolds number Re x,c

• For flow over a flat plate the critical Reynolds

number is defined as
u xc
Re x ,c   5 x10 5


• There are three regimes in turbulent boundary
layer
– A laminar sub layer existing next to wall has nearly
linear velocity profile. The convective transport in
this layer is mainly molecular
– In buffer layer adjacent to sub-layer the turbulent
mixing and diffusion effects are comparable
– Then there is the turbulent core with large scale
turbulence
 A thin plate 1 m long 1 m wide is placed in an air stream moving
with a velocity 2.5 m/s. Determine the type of flow over the plate

𝑘𝑔 0.85𝑥10−5 𝑘𝑔
𝜌 = 1.12 3 , 𝜇 = , 𝑢∞ = 2.5 𝑚/𝑠
𝑚 𝑚𝑠
𝜌𝑢∞ 𝑥𝑐
𝑅𝑒𝑥,𝑐 = = 5𝑥105
𝜇
5𝑥105 𝑥0.85𝑥10−5
𝑥𝑐 = = 1.52 𝑚
1.12𝑥2.5
Since 𝑥𝑐 is more than the length of the plate the flow over the
plate is laminar
Thermal boundary on a flat plate
• A thermal boundary layer will develop if surface temperature
and free stream temperature are different
• At the leading edge of the plate the temperature is uniform
with T  T 
• The fluid particles coming into contact with the surface
exchange thermal energy with those in neighboring layers and
thermal gradient is set up.
• With increasing distance y from the surface the fluid
temperature approaches the free stream temperature T
• The thickness of thermal boundary layer is defined as the
value of y for which Ts  T  0.99
Ts  T
• Since at the surface there is no motion the
energy transfer takes place by only conduction
T
qs  k f
y y0

• Let   Ts  T
   Ts  T

qs  h Ts  T 
 T
y y 0
h  k f
T s  T

• h and q s will decrease with increasing x

• Like the velocity boundary layer the thermal boundary layer
will also be defined as laminar or turbulent depending upon
the critical value of Reynolds number
• The variation of heat transfer coefficient along the length of
boundary layer is shown in next figure
Boundary layer thickness and heat transfer
coefficient for a flat plate

qs
t
 Flow through pipes
• The major difference between the external and internal flows
is that boundary layer development in the former is
unconstrained as for flat plate, where as the boundary layer
thickness in a pipe is physically limited to the radius of the
pipe
• The free stream temperature and velocity as in the external
flows are irrelevant for internal flows
• We consider some kind of mean velocity and temperature in
internal flows
• There are certain unique feature of flow through pipes, viz,
entrance and fully developed zones
Boundary-layer development in a circular
pipe
• Consider a fluid entering the pipe of radius R with a uniform
velocity U
• Due to viscous effects boundary layer develops with
increasing x
• The initial uniform region of the profile called core shrinks and
finally at a point on the centerline of the pipe boundary layers
from the two sides merge
• This condition is reached when the entire cross-section of the
flow has been pervaded by the viscous action resulting an
invariant velocity profile in the direction of flow. The flow is
now said to be fully developed
• The distance from the entrance where the velocity profile
becomes invariant with axial position is called the entry
length, x e and this region of flow is known as entrance zone
• The Reynolds number for flow through pipes is defined as
um D
Re D 

• Here um is the mean fluid velocity over the pipe cross-section
and D is the diameter of the pipe. The critical Reynolds
number is taken as 2300
• Entrance Region
– For laminar flow in a circular tube the entry length
is given by
 xe 
   0.05 Re D
 D lam

– For turbulent flow the entry length is independent

of Reynolds number can be approximated as
x 
10   e   60
 D  turb
• Fully Developed Region
– In this region the velocity at any cross-section of pipe
varies from zero at wall to a maximum at the center, and
that there is no well defined free stream.
– So a mean velocity u mis defined as that velocity which
when multiplied by fluid density and cross-sectional area
of the tube give mass flow m rate through the pipe
 2
m  um D
4
4m
Re D 
D
Thermal boundary layer development in a
circular pipe
• A thermal boundary layer similar to the velocity boundary
layer is developed in a tube when a fluid of uniform
temperature different from the surface temperature enters a
tube
• The thermal entry length, xet for laminar flow may be
calculated by an equation given by Kays
 xet 
   0.05 Re D Pr
 D  lam
• The thermal entry length in laminar flow is dependent on the
Prandtl number of the fluid too.
• Thermal entry length in turbulent flow is independent of Prandtl number and can
be approximated by the equation
 x 
10   et   60
 D  turb
• Fully developed region
– The temperature at any cross-section in a pipe is a function of r and so there cannot be any
well-defined free stream temperature Tb
– We use a term called as bulk or mean temperature, of the fluid to represent the
temperature of the fluid
– Accordingly, Newton’s law of cooling is expressed as
q  h Ts  Tb 

– Where h is the local heat transfer coefficient

– Mathematically, the bulk temperature is the enthalpy-average temperature of the bulk
 R

 2ruC Tdr p
In general
Tb  0
R

 2ruC dr
0
p

 uTrdr
For incompressible
Tb  0
R
fluid having constant
specific heat
 urdr
0
 Forced convection over flat plate (laminar
flow)
• The thickness of hydrodynamic boundary layer
5x
x 
Re x
• The local Reynolds number is u x u x
Re x  
 
• Local skin friction coefficient
 0 . 664
C fx  s

1 Re x
 u 2
2

• Average friction coefficient C fx  2C fx

• Local Nusselt number
hx x
Nu x   0.332 Re1x/ 2 Pr 1/ 3
k

• Average Nusselt nuber

hx x
Nu x   0.664 Re1x/ 2 Pr1/ 3
k
N u x  2 Nu x
hx  2hx
• Fluid properties are evaluated at film
temperature T T
Tf  s 
2

• For liquid metals local Nusselt number is given

by
Nu x  0.565Pe x
1/ 2
(Pr  0.005)

• Local Peclet number is

Pe x  Re x Pr
 Air at 200C is flowing along a heated plate at 134 0C at a velocity of
3 m/s. The plate is 2 m long and 1.5 m wide. Calculate the
thickness of hydrodynamic boundary layer and the skin friction
coefficient at 40 cm from the leading edge of the plate. The
kinematic viscosity of air at 20 0C may be taken as 15.06x10-6 m2/s

𝑢∞ 𝑥 3𝑥0.4
x = 0.4 m; 𝑅𝑒𝑥 = = = 7.9𝑥104 < 5𝑥105
𝜐 15.06𝑥 10 −6

The flow is laminar

5𝑥 5𝑥0.4
𝛿ℎ 𝑥 = = = 7.1 𝑚𝑚
ඥ𝑅𝑒𝑥 ξ 7.9𝑥104

The local skin friction coefficient

0.664 0.664
𝐶𝑓𝑥 = = = 2.36𝑥10−3
ඥ𝑅𝑒𝑥 ξ 7.9𝑥104

Thickness of thermal boundary layer

1
−1/3 (− )
Pr = 0.703; 𝛿𝑡𝑥 = 𝛿ℎ 𝑥 𝑃𝑟 = 7.1𝑥0.703 3 = 7.87 𝑚𝑚
Calculate local heat transfer coefficient at x = 0.4 m and heat
transferred from the first 40 cm of the plate
134 + 20
𝑇𝑓 = = 770 𝐶
2
The physical properties of air at 77 0C

Val3 = val1+(val2-val1)(77-70)/(80-77)

Physical Unit At 700C At 800C At 770C

variable Val1 Val2 Val3
ρ 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 1.029 1.000 1.0087
𝐶𝑝 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾 1009 1009 1009
𝜐 10−6 𝑚2 /𝑠 20.02 21.09 20.769
k 𝑊/𝑚𝐾 0.02966 0.03047 0.0302
Pr ….. 0.694 0.692 0.6926
 3𝑥0.4
𝑅𝑒𝑥 = −6
= 5.78𝑥104 < 5𝑥105
20.769𝑥10
Hence the flow is laminar
1/2
𝑁𝑢𝑥 = 0.332𝑅𝑒𝑥 𝑃𝑟 1/3 = 0.332ሺ
5.78𝑥104 ሻ1/2 0.69261/3 = 70.6203
ℎ𝑥 𝑥 (ℎ𝑥 )(0.4)
= = 𝑁𝑢𝑥 = 70.6203
𝑘 0.0302
ሺ
70.6203 ሻሺ
0.0302 ሻ 𝑊
ℎ𝑥 = = 5.3318
0.4 𝑚 2𝐾

𝑊
ത
ℎതത
𝑥 = 2ℎ𝑥 = ሺ
2ሻሺ
5.3318ሻ = 10.6636
𝑚2 𝐾
ത
𝑄= ℎതത 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ ሻ
𝑥 𝐴ሺ

= 10.6636ሺ
0.4ሻሺ
1.5ሻሺ
134 − 20ሻ = 729.39 𝑊
Heat flow from the both sides of the plate = (2)(729.39) = 1458.78 W
Total drag experienced by the plate over its length
ሺ3ሻ(2)
𝑅𝑒𝐿 = −6
= 2.89𝑥105 < 5𝑥105
20.769𝑥10
The flow is laminar over the length of the plate
1.324 1.324
ത
Average friction coefficient = 𝐶തത
ത
𝑓𝐿 = 2𝐶𝑓𝐿 = = = 0.025
ඥ𝑅𝑒 𝐿 ඥ2.89𝑥 10 5

Average shear stress =

തത
തത1
𝑠 = 𝐶𝑓𝐿 ቀ 𝜌𝑢∞ ቁ= 0.0025ሺ
𝜏ഥ 2
0.5ሻ(1.0087)(32 ) = 0.0113 𝑁/𝑚2
2

The total drag on the two sides of the plate =

2 𝜏ഥ𝐴
𝑠 =ሺ
2ሻሺ
0.0113ሻሺ
2𝑥1.5ሻ = 0.0678 𝑁

Average Nusselt number ത

തതതത 1/2
𝑁𝑢𝐿 = 2𝑁𝑢𝐿 = 0.664𝑅𝑒𝐿 𝑃𝑟 1/3

= 0.664(2.89𝑥105 )1/2 (0.6926)1/3 = 314.87

ത
ℎത
ത
𝐿𝐿
= 314.87
𝑘
ത
ℎത
ത
𝐿 = ሺ
314.87ሻ(0.02966)(2) = 18.68 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾

Heat transferred = (2)(18.68)(2)(1.5)(134-20) = 12.78 kW

 Anology between momentum and energy
transfer for external flow
• Reynolds analogy C fx
Nu x
Stanton number =  St x 
Re x Pr 2

This is a relationship between heat transfer and skin

friction in laminar flow. This valid only for Pr = 1

C fx
• Colburn analogy St x Pr valid

2/3
for 0.5  Pr  50
2
• When Pr = 1 Colburn analogy reduces to Reynolds
analogy
 Forced convection on flat plate (laminar-
turbulent)
• Laminar-turbulent flow (laminar length
considered)
– Average Nusselt number
N u L   0.037 Re4L/ 5  870 Pr1/ 3

– Average skin friction coefficient

0.074 1740
C fL  0.2

Re L Re L
An air stream at 0 0C is flowing along a heated plate at 90 0C at a speed
of 75 m/s. The plate is 45 cm long and 60 cm wide. Assuming the
transition of boundary layer to take place at 𝑅𝑒𝑥 ,𝑐 = 5𝑥105 calculate
the average value of friction coefficient and heat transfer coefficient for
full length of the plate. Hence calculate the rate of energy dissipation
from the plate.

Film temperature = (90+0)/2 = 45 0C

The physical properties of air at 45 0C

Val3 = val1+(val2-val1)(45-40)/(50-40)

Physical Unit At 400C At 500C At 450C

variable Val1 Val2 Val3
Ρ 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 1.128 1.093 1.1105
𝐶𝑝 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾 1005 1005 1005
𝜐 10−6 𝑚2 /𝑠 16.96 17.95 17.455
K 𝑊/𝑚𝐾 0.02756 0.02826 0.0279
Pr ….. 0.699 0.698 0.6985
 ሺ75ሻ(0.45) 6 5
𝑅𝑒𝐿 = = 1.93𝑥10 > 5𝑥10
17.455𝑥10−6
The flow is turbulent
0.074 1740 0.074 1740
ത
𝐶തത
ത
𝑓𝐿 = − = − = 0.0032
𝑅𝑒𝐿0.2 𝑅𝑒𝐿 ሺ1.93𝑥106 ሻ0.2 1.93𝑥106
4 1
ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത
𝐿 = ቆ0.037𝑅𝑒𝐿5 − 870ቇ 𝑃𝑟 3
1
= ሺ0.037ሺ1.93𝑥10 6 ሻ0.8
− 870ሻሺ0.6985ሻ3 = 2733
ሺ2733ሻሺ0.0279ሻ
ത
ℎതത
𝐿 = = 170 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
0.45
Heat transfer rate = (2)(170)(0.45)(0.6)(90-0) = 8.262 kW
• Fully turbulent from the leading edge of the
plate
– Local hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness
 hx
 0.381Re x 0.2
x
– Average Nusselt number
Re L  Re x ,c A  0.037 Re4x ,/c5
N u L  0.037 Re 4L/ 5 Pr1/ 3 for

C fL  0.074 Re L0.2
– Average skin friction coefficient
A flat plate 1.0 m wide and 1.0 m long and at 15 0C is placed in a wind
tunnel. The temperature and velocity of free stream air are 5 0C and 80
m/s respectively. The flow over the whole length of the plate is made
turbulent with the help of turbulizing grid placed upstream of the plate.
Determine the thickness of boundary layer at the trailing edge of the
plate. Also calculate the mean value of the heat transfer coefficient
from the surface of the plate

Film temperature, T f =(15+5)/2 = 100C

The physical properties of air at 100C are

k = 0.025 W/mK, 𝜐 = 14.15𝑥10−6 𝑚2 /𝑠, Pr = 0.72

ሺ80ሻ(1)
𝑅𝑒𝐿 = −6
= 5.65𝑥106 > 5𝑥105
14.15𝑥10
𝛿𝐿 = 0.381𝐿𝑅𝑒𝐿−0.2 = 0.381ሺ
1ሻሺ
5.65𝑥106 ሻ−0.2 = 0.017 𝑚 = 17 𝑚𝑚

ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത 4/5
𝐿 = 0.037𝑅𝑒𝐿 𝑃𝑟 1/3 = 0.037ሺ
5.65𝑥106 ሻ4/5 ሺ
0.72ሻ1/3 = 8362
8362𝑥0.025
ത=
ℎ = 209 𝑊/𝑚2
1
Heat transferred = (2)(209)(1)(1)(15-5) = 4180 W
 Forced convection in flow through pipes
(laminar flow)
• Bulk mean temperature Ti  To
Tb 
2
• Reynolds number
u D u D
Re D  
 
• Friction factor 64
f 
Re D
• Nusselt number fully developed laminar flow through a circular
pipe
Nu D  48  4.364
– Constant surface flux 11

Nu D  3.66
– Constant wall temperature
• Equations valid in the entry region
– Hausen correlation 0 . 0668 
D 
 Re D Pr
 L 
NuD  3 . 66  2/3
 D  
1  0 . 04    Re D Pr 
 L  
D
Gz  Re D Pr
– Graetz number L

1/ 3
 Re Pr   b 
0.14
Sieder-Tate Correlation N u D  1.86 D   
 L 
 D   s 
A tube of 15 mm ID is maintained at 60 0C, while water is allowed to
flow through it at a rate of 10 ml/s. The temperature of water at entry
is 200C and it has been measured to be 34 0C at a point 1 m from the
entry. Compute the average value of Nusselt nuber using Hausen and
Sieder and Tate correlations

20 +34 0
𝑇𝑏 = 2
= 27 C

Properties of water at 27 0

855𝑥10−6 𝑘𝑔 𝑘𝑔 𝑊
𝜇𝑏 = , ρ = 997 3
, 𝑘 = 613𝑥10−3 , Pr = 5.83
𝑚𝑠 𝑚 𝑚𝐾
𝜇𝑠 = 464𝑥10−6 𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠
10𝑥10 −6
𝑢𝑚 = 𝜋 = 0.057 𝑚/𝑠
ቀ4 ቁሺ
0.015ሻ2

ሺ
997ሻሺ0.057ሻ(0.015)
𝑅𝑒𝐷 = = 997
855𝑥10−6
Flow is laminar

𝑥ℎ 𝑒 = 0.05𝐷𝑅𝑒𝐷 = 0.05𝑥0.015𝑥997 = 0.75 𝑚

𝑥𝑡𝑒 = 𝑥ℎ 𝑒 𝑃𝑟 = 0.75ሺ
5.83ሻ = 4.37 𝑚
 0.015
𝐺𝑧 = ൬ ൰ሺ997ሻሺ5.83ሻ = 87.19
1
Average Nusselt number by Hausen correlation
0.0668(87.19)
ത
തത
ത
𝑁𝑢തത
𝐷 = 3.66 + = 6.92
1 + 0.04ሺ87.19ሻ2/3
Average Nusselt number by Sieder and Tate correlation
1/3 0.14
997𝑥5.83 855
ത
തത
തത
ത
𝑁𝑢𝐷 = 1.86 ቌ ቍ ൬ ൰ = 8.95
1 464
( )
0.015
 Analogy between Momentum and heat
transfer in pipe flow
• Reynolds analogy St 
h

Nu D

f
C p um Re D Pr 8

– This is valid for Pr = 1

• Colburn analogy
f Nu D
St Pr 2 / 3   Pr 2 / 3
8 Re D Pr
• In the above equations all fluid properties are
T T
calculated at except
b s
Cwhich
p is evaluated at
2
the bulk temperature of the fluid
• Friction coefficient in transitional turbulent
flow is given by 0.25
f  0.316 Re D

• For noncircular tubes hydraulic diameter is

used as length parameter
– Hydraulic diameter

4area _ of _ cross _ sec tion 4 A

Dh  
wetted _ perimeter P
Water at 500C flows through an automobile radiator tube 0.5 cm inner
diameter, 50 cm long with a mean velocity of 1 m/s. The surface of
radiator tube is at 300C. Determine heat transfer coefficient using
Colburn analogy

Tb = 500C, and Tf = (50+30)/2 = 400C

Physical Unit At 500C At 400C

variable
ρ 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 990 995
𝐶𝑝 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾 4178 4178
𝜐 10−7 𝑚2 /𝑠 5.67 6.57
k 𝑊/𝑚𝐾 0.640 0.628
Pr ….. 3.68 4.34

ሺ1ሻ(0.005)
𝑅𝑒𝐷 = = 8818
5.67𝑥10−7
Flow is turbulent
Colburn analogy

2/3
ℎ 2/3
𝑓 0.316𝑅𝑒𝐷−0.25
𝑆𝑡𝑃𝑟 = 𝑃𝑟 = =
𝜌𝐶𝑝 𝑢𝑚 8 8

To apply this analogy we need to use property values at film

temperature except specific heat
ሺ1ሻ(0.005)
𝑅𝑒𝐷 = = 7610
6.57𝑥10 −7

0.316ሺ7610ሻ−0.25 ሺ995ሻሺ4178ሻ(1) 2
ℎ= = 6709 𝑊/𝑚 𝐾
ሺ8ሻሺ4.34ሻ2/3
 Turbulent flow through pipes
• Dittus-Boelter equation

NuD  0.023 Pr 4/5

Pr n

– Where n = 0.4 for (heating) Ts  Tb

– n = 0.3 for (cooling) Ts  Tb
– Valid for 0.7  Pr  160
Re D  10000
L
 60
D
Water at 500C enters a 1.5 cm diameter and 3 m long with a velocity of
1 m/s. The tube wall is maintained at a constant temperature of 90 0C.
Calculate the heat transfer coefficient and the total heat transferred if
exit water temperature is 64 0C

Tb = (50+64)/2 = 570C

The physical properties of water at 570C

Val3 = val1+(val2-val1)(57-40)/(60-40)

Physical Unit At 400C At 600C At 570C

variable Val1 Val2 Val3
ρ 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 995 985 986.5
𝐶𝑝 𝐽/𝑘𝑔𝐾 4178 4183 4182.25
𝜐 10−6 𝑚2 /𝑠 0.657 0.478 0.5049
k 𝑊/𝑚𝐾 0.628 0.651 0.6476
Pr ….. 4.34 3.02 3.218
 ሺ1ሻ(0.015)
𝑅𝑒𝐷 = −6
= 29709
0.5049𝑥10
Flow is turbulent
𝐿 3
= = 200
𝐷 0.015
We can use Dittus-Boelter equation

𝑁𝑢𝐷 = 0.023𝑅𝑒𝐷0.8 𝑃𝑟 0.4 = 0.023ሺ29709ሻ0.8 ሺ3.218ሻ0.4 = 139

ሺ139ሻ(0.6476)
ℎ= = 6001 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
0.015
Heat transferred = (6001)(πx0.015x3)(90-57)= 28 kW
• Sider and Tate equation
0.14
 
Nu D  0.027 Re 4/5
D Pr  
1/ 3

 s 
Valid for
0.7  Pr  160

Re D  10000
L
 60
D
• Correlation for thermal entry region in
turbulent flow 0.055
 D
NuD  0.036Re Pr  
0.8
D
1/ 3

 L

L
• Valid for 10   400
D
Water flows through a long 2.2 cm diameter copper tube at an average
velocity 2 m/s. The tube wall is maintained at 95 0C where as the water
gets heated from 150C to 600C while passing through the tube Find the
average heat transfer coefficient using Sieder-Tate equation

Tb = (15+60)/2 = 37.50C

The properties of water at 37.5 0C obtained by interpolation from

databook
𝑘𝑔 −3
𝑘𝑔 𝑊
𝜌 = 990 , 𝜇 = 0.69𝑥10 , 𝑘 = 0.63 , Pr = 4.56
𝑚3 𝑚𝑠 𝑚𝐾
𝜇𝑠 = 0.3𝑥10−3 𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠
ሺ
990ሻሺ 2ሻ(0.022)
𝑅𝑒𝐷 = = 63130
0.69𝑥10−3
The flow is turbulent

0.69 0.14
𝑁𝑢𝐷 = 0.027ሺ
63130 ሻ0.8 ሺ
4.56 ሻ1/3 ൬ ൰ = 348
0.3
348𝑥0.63
ℎ = = 9965 𝑊/𝑚 2 𝐾
0.022
Heat transferred = 9965𝑥𝜋𝑥0.022𝑥 ሺ
95 − 37.5ሻ = 39.6 𝑘𝑊/𝑚
In a long annulus (3.125 cm ID, 5 cm OD), the air is heated by
maintaining the temperature of the outer surface of inner tube at 500C.
The air enters at 16 0C and leaves at 320C and its flow rate is 30 m/s.
Estimate the heat transfer coefficient between the air and the inner
tube

Tf = (16+32)/2 = 24 0C

The properties of air at 24 0C

𝑘𝑔 −6
𝑚2
𝜌 = 1.614 3 , υ = 15.9𝑥10 , Pr = 0.707, 𝑘 = 0.0263 𝑊/𝑚𝐾
𝑚 𝑠
𝜋
4𝐴 4 ቀ ቁ൫𝐷𝑜2 − 𝐷𝑖2 ൯ 0.052 − 0.03152
𝐷ℎ = = 4 = = 0.01875 𝑚
𝑃 𝜋ሺ𝐷𝑜 + 𝐷𝑖 ሻ (0.05 + 0.03125)
ሺ
30ሻ(0.01875)
𝑅𝑒𝐷ℎ = = 35377
15.9𝑥10−6
Because the annulus is long we can use Dittus-Boelter equation

35377ሻ0.8 ሺ
𝑁𝑢𝐷ℎ = 0.023ሺ 0.707ሻ0.4 = 87.19
87.19𝑥0.0263
ℎ = = 122.3 𝑊/𝑚 2 𝐾
0.01875
Development of boundary layer in natural
convection
 Natural convection
• Local Grashoff number g  Ts  T  x 3
Grx 
2
g  Ts  T  x 3
• Local Rayleigh number Rax  Grx Pr 


• Critical Rayleigh number Rax ,c  109

• Laminar flow Ra x  10 9
• Turbulent flow Ra  109
x
 Correlations for heat transfer parameters of
natural convection under laminar flow
• Thickness of hydrodynamic boundary layer

 hx  x 3.93 Pr 1/ 2  0.952  Pr  Grx1/ 4
1/ 4

• Average Nusselt number at constant wall
temperature
1 / 4
N u L  0.667 Pr (0.952  Pr)
1/ 2 1/ 4
Gr
L
A 30 cm long glass plate is hung vertically in air at 27 0C while its
temperature is maintained at 770C. Calculate the boundary layer
thickness at the trailing edge of the plate.

If a similar plate is placed in a wind tunnel and air is blown over it at a

velocity of 4 m/s, estimate the boundary layer thickness at its trailing
edge

Film temperature Tf = (77+27)/2 = 520C

The properties of air at 520C by interpolation

28.15𝑥10−3 𝑊
𝑘= ,υ
𝑚𝐾
18.41𝑥10−6 𝑚2
= , Pr = 0.7, 𝛽 = 3.07𝑥10−3 1/𝐾
𝑠
Free convection

ሺ
9.81ሻሺ
3.07𝑥10−3 ሻሺ
77 − 27ሻ(0.033 )
𝐺𝑟𝐿 = = 1.2𝑥108
ሺ18.41𝑥10 ሻ
−6 2

𝑅𝑎𝐿 = 1.2𝑥108 𝑥0.7 = 8.4𝑥107

Hence the flow is laminar
1
− −1/4
𝛿ℎ𝑥 = 𝑥 ൤3.93𝑃𝑟 2 ሺ
0.952 + 𝑃𝑟ሻ1/4 𝐺𝑟𝑥 ൨

𝛿ℎ𝑥 = 0.3ሾ3.93ሺ
0.7ሻ−0.5 ሺ 1.2𝑥108 ሻ−0.25 ሿ= 1.52 𝑐𝑚
0.952 + 0.7ሻ0.25 ሺ
Forced convection
4𝑥0.3
𝑅𝑒𝐿 = −6
= 6.51𝑥104
18.41𝑥10
Flow is laminar
5𝑥0.3
𝛿ℎ𝐿 = = 5.9 𝑚𝑚
ξ 6.51𝑥104
Thickness of boundary layer in natural convection is more than that in
forced convection
Determine the average heat transfer coefficient for natural and forced
convection for the data given above

Free convection

ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത
𝐿 = 0.667𝑃𝑟
1/2 ሺ
0.952 + 𝑃𝑟 ሻ−1/4 𝐺𝑟𝐿
1/4

ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത 0.7ሻ0.5 ሺ
𝐿 = 0.667ሺ 0.952 + 0.7ሻ−0.25 ሺ
1.2𝑥108 ሻ0.25 = 51.52
51.52𝑥28.15𝑥10−3
ത=
ℎ = 4.83 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
0.3
Forced convection
ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത
𝐿 = 0.664ሺ
6.51𝑥104 ሻ0.5 ሺ
0.7ሻ0.3333 = 150.4
150.4𝑥28.15𝑥10−3
ത=
ℎ = 14.11 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
0.3
Heat transfer coefficient in natural convection is less than that in forced
convection
 Empirical correlations in natural convection
(Vertical plates)
1/4
0.67 𝑅𝑎 𝐿
For 𝑅𝑎𝐿 < 104 ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത
𝐿 = ቈ
0.68 + 4/9 ቉
ൣ 0.492/𝑃𝑟 ሻ9/16 ൧
1+ሺ

For 104 < 𝑅𝑎𝐿 < 109 ത

തത
𝑁𝑢തത 1/4
𝐿 = 0.59𝑅𝑎𝐿

ത
തതതത 1/3
For 109 < 𝑅𝑎𝐿 < 1012 (Turbulent flow) 𝑁𝑢 𝐿 = 0.10𝑅𝑎𝐿

For 10−1 < 𝑅𝑎𝐿 < 1012 ሺ

𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙ሻ
2
1/6
0.387 𝑅𝑎 𝐿
ത
തത
𝑁𝑢തത
𝐿 = ൥0.825 + ൩ for constant wall temperature
0.492 9/16 8/27
ቂ1+(
𝑃𝑟
) ቃ

For constant heat flux condition 0.492 is replaced by 0.437

A metal plate 0.609 m high forms the vertical wall of a oven and is at a
temperature of 1610C. Within the oven is air at a temperature 930C and
one atmosphere. Assuming the natural convection conditions hold near
the plate, estimate the mean heat transfer coefficient and the rate of
heat transfer per unit width of the plate

The film temperature is Tf = (161+93)/2 = 1270C

The properties of air at 1270C by interpolation are

2 2
−6 𝑚 −6 𝑚 𝑊
𝜐= 26.4𝑥10 ,𝛼 = 38.3𝑥10 , 𝑘 = 33.8𝑥10−3
𝑠 𝑠 𝑚𝐾
1 −1
Pr = 0.69, 𝛽 = ሺ273+127 ሻ
= 0.0025𝐾
 𝑔𝛽 ሺ𝑇𝑠 −𝑇∞ ሻ𝐿3 ሺ9.81 ሻሺ0.0025 ሻ(161−93)ሺ0.609 ሻ3
𝑅𝑎𝐿 = = ሺ26.4𝑥10 −6 ሻሺ38.3𝑥10 −6 ሻ
= 3.72𝑥108
𝜐𝛼

So the flow is laminar

We use

ത
തത
𝑁𝑢ത
𝐿
ത= 0.59𝑅𝑎
1/4
𝐿 = ሺ
0.59 ሻሺ
3.72𝑥108 ሻ0.25
= 81.9

ሺ81.9ሻ(33.8𝑥10−3 )
ℎത= = 4.55 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
0.609
Heat transferred = (4.55)(0.609)(161-93) = 188.42 W/m
Calculate the convective heat loss from a radiator 0.5 m wide and 1 m
high is maintained at a temperature of 840C in a room at 200C. Treat the
radiator as vertical plate.

Film temperature Tf=(84+20)/2 = 520C

The properties of air at 520C by interpolation

18.41𝑥10−6 𝑚2
𝜐= , 𝛼 = 26.3𝑥10−6 𝑚2 /𝑠
𝑠
1
28.15𝑥10−3 𝑊 𝑃𝑟 = 0.7, 𝛽 = = 3.077𝑥10−3 𝐾 −1
𝑘= , ሺ273 + 52ሻ
𝑚𝐾
 ሺ9.81ሻሺ3.077𝑥10−3 ሻ(84 − 20)ሺ1ሻ3 9
𝑅𝑎𝐿 = = 4𝑥10
ሺ18.41𝑥10−6 ሻ(26.3𝑥10−6 )

Flow is turbulent and we can use

ത
തത
𝑁𝑢ത
𝐿
ത= 0.1𝑅𝑎
1/3
𝐿 = 0.1ሺ4𝑥10 9 ሻ1/3
= 158.74

158.74𝑥28.15𝑥10−3
ℎത= = 4.47 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
1
Heat transferred = (4.47)(1x0.5)(84-20) = 143 W
 Empirical correlations in natural convection
(Vertical cylinders)
• The relationships for vertical plates can be
used for vertical cylinders of height, L provided
the boundary layer thickness, δ is small
compared to the diameter, D of the cylinder.
The condition under which a vertical cylinder
is treated as a vertical plate is

D 35

L Gr L1 / 4
A vertical pipe of 20 cm outer diameter at a surface temperature of
1000C in a room where the air is at 20 0C. What is the rate of heat loss
per meter length of the pipe?

Film temperature Tf = (100+20)/2 = 600C

The properties of air at 600C are

18.97𝑥10−6 𝑚2
𝜐= , Pr = 0.696, 𝑘 = 28.96𝑥10−3 𝑊/𝑚𝐾
𝑠
27.26𝑥10−6 𝑚2 1
𝛼= ,β = = 3.003𝑥10−3 𝐾 −1
𝑠 273 + 60
ሺ9.81ሻሺ3.003𝑥10−3 ሻ(100 − 20)ሺ3ሻ3 10
𝐺𝑟𝐿 = = 17.68𝑥10
ሺ18.97𝑥10−6 ሻ2
 𝐷 35
Consider ≥ 1/4
𝐿 𝐺𝑟𝐿

0.2 35
= 0.0667 ≥ 1 = 0.054 is true
3
ሺ17.68𝑥10 10 ሻ4

We can use the relationships of the vertical plates to vertical cylinders

𝑅𝑎𝐿 = 17.68𝑥1010 𝑥0.696 = 12.31𝑥1010

The flow is turbulent
1
ത
തത
𝑁𝑢ത
𝐿
ത= 0.10𝑅𝑎
1/3
𝐿 = 0.10ሺ12.31𝑥1010 ሻ3 = 497.45

497.45𝑥28.96𝑥10−3
ℎത= = 4.8 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾
3
Heat transferred per meter = ሺ4.8ሻሺ𝜋𝑥0.2ሻሺ100 − 20ሻ = 241.27 𝑊/𝑚