UNIT- II

CONVECTION
SYLLABUS:
Basic Concepts –Heat transfer coefficients – Boundary
layer concept – Types of convection – Forced
convection – Dimensional analysis – External flow –
Flow over plates, cylinders and spheres –Internal flow
– Laminar and turbulent flow – Combined laminar and
turbulent – Flow over bank of tubes – Free convection
– Dimensional analysis – Flow over vertical plate,
horizontal plate, inclined plate, cylinders and spheres.
 CONVECTION
The process of heat transfer between a solid surface and a fluid
flowing in contact with it is called convection.
TYPES:
(i) Forced Convection
(ii) Free Convection
Forced Convection:
• If the fluid flow is caused by an external device like a pump or
blower, it is termed as forced convection.
Free Convection:

If the flow is caused by the buoyant forces generated by

heating or cooling of the fluid the process is called as natural or free
convection
Convection : Newton’s law of cooling
“ Heat transfer rate is directly proportional to area
exposed for heat transfer and temperature difference”
Q α A ∆T
Q = h A ∆T
Where,
h- Local Convective Heat transfer co-efficient in W/m 2k
A- Area in m2
∆T- Temperature difference in k
 Convective Heat transfer co-efficient:
Convective heat transfer coefficient is influenced by:
(i) Fluid properties like density, viscosity and other thermal
properties like specific heat conductivity
(ii) Flow velocity and
(iii) Surface geometry

Due to the above factor heat transfer co-efficient value varies

along the surface. Defining the average heat transfer co-efficient
for the entire surface.

 1
Average heat transfer co-efficient
h  h dA
AA
Boundary layer concept
 Boundary layer concept
Concept of boundary layer as proposed by prandtl

In boundary layer concept the flow field over a body is divided into
two regions:
(i) A thin region near a body, called the boundary layer, where
the velocity and temperature gradients are large
(ii) The region outside the boundary layer where velocity and
temperature gradients are very nearly equal to their free stream
value.

Types:
(a) Velocity boundary layer (or)
Hydro-dynamic boundary layer
(b) Thermal boundary layer
CONCEPT OF VELOCITY BOUNDARY LAYER:

Let,

U – Velocity of the fluid

U∞- Free stream velocity (or)
Velocity of the fluid near the surface
x – Distance from the leading edge
ζ - Shear stress
δ – Boundary layer thickness

Boundary layer thickness:

Boundary layer thickness is defined as “The distance perpendicular to the
flow direction up to which the velocity of the fluid is equal to 99% of the free
stream velocity”
The model characteristics of the flow as consisting of two distinct
regions:

(i) A thin boundary layer in which the velocity gradients ,shear

stresses are large and

(ii) the remaining region outside of the boundary layer where the
velocity gradients and shear stresses are negligibly small. This is also
called potential flow.

Note:
The direct application of velocity boundary layer is in fluid
mechanics for the determination of the wall shear stress and then
the dimensionless drag coefficient.

shear stress beyond the boundary layer is zero.

CONCEPT OF THERMAL BOUNDARY LAYER:

Let,

T – Temperature of the fluid

T∞- Temperature of the fluid in the
surface (or) Free-stream temperature
x – Distance from the leading edge
ζ - Shear stress
δT – Thermal boundary layer thickness

Thermal boundary layer thickness:

Thermal boundary layer thickness is defined as “The distance perpendicular to
the flow direction up to which the temperature of the fluid is equal to 99% of the
free stream temperature.

Velocity boundary layer automatically forms when a real fluid flows over a surface,
but thermal boundary layer will develop only when the fluid temperature is different from
the surface temperature.
LAMINAR AND TURBULENT FLOW
Laminar flow:
Fluid particles are well ordered and
streamlines along flow direction. The
velocity at any point in the flow field
remains steady. This type of flow is known
as laminar flow.

Turbulent flow:

Fluid particles are moves in a random

manner in the flow field then the flow is
known as turbulent flow.

Reynolds Number (Re):

Re = Inertia force
Viscous force
U 2 L2 UL UL
Re  Re  
UL  
 Air at 20°C flows over a surface at 80°C. The local heat flow was measured at a point as
1000 W/m2. Estimate the value of local convective heat transfer coefficient and
temperature gradient at the surface. Thermal conductivity of air can be taken as 0.02826
W/mK

Given data: Solution

Fluid : Air (i) Local convective heat transfer co-efficient

Ambient air temperature T∞ = 200C
Surface temperature Ts = 800C
q = h (Ts – T∞)
Heat flux q =1000 W/m 2
Thermal conductivity k = 0.02826 W/mk 1000 = h(80 – 20)

To find: h = 16.67 W/m2K

For x - direction similarly for y - direction
(ii) Temperature gradient:
(i) Local convective heat transfer co- Q  T  Q  T 
q   k  q    k  y 
efficient A x
  x 0 A   y 0
(ii) Temperature gradient @ distance of
0.5mm from the surface  T 
1000  0.02826  
 y  y 0
 T 
 y   35385.7 k/m
  y 0
Procedure for forced convection problems
on external flow of fluid over a flat plate, 5. Determine local heat transfer coefficient
cylinder and sphere:(parallel flow) value from the Nusselt number.
1. Check velocity is given or not
2. If velocity is given, then it is forced 6.Determine Average convective heat
convection problem. transfer coefficient value
3. Check whether the given flow is
external flow or internal flow 7. Then, Calculate Heat transfer rate from
average heat transfer co-efficient value
(a) Heat transfer calculation:
4. Calculate Film temperature. 8. Then Calculate the followings with the
(i.e.)Average of surface temperature & formula avail in the data book
fluid temperature. (b) Hydro-dynamic boundary layer
thickness
5. Take the properties of fluid from the (c) Thermal boundary layer thickness
data book. (d) Local friction co-efficient
(e) Average friction co-efficient
6. Calculate Reynolds number. Compare (f) Shear stress due to friction
with the limiting Reynolds number to (g) Total drag force
find out type of flow (h) Total mass flow rate through the
boundary.
7. Calculate Nusselt number value for the
condition obtained. (i.e.)Laminar flow
or turbulent flow.
 . 5
Mass flow rate m  U  2 h  1h 
8

Drag force FD  Shear stress  Area

Air at 200C at a pressure of 1 bar is flowing over a flat plate at a velocity of 3 m/s. If
the plate is maintained at 600C, Calculate the heat transfer per unit width of the
plate. Assuming the length of the plate along the flow of air is 2m.
Solution:
Given data:
Velocity is given.
Fluid : Air
So it is forced convection Problem.
Geometry : Flat plate
Type of flow : External flow Tw  Ts
Film temperature T f 
Velocity = 3 m/s 2
Fluid temperature T∞ = 200C 60  20
(Air temperature) Tf  Tf= 400C
2
Surface temperature TW = 600C Properties of air at 400C (From data book
pg.no.33)
(Plate temperature)
Density ρ = 1.128 kg/m3
Length of plate L= 2m Thermal conductivity k =0.02756 x 10-3 W/mK
Kinematic viscosity ν= 16.96x10-6 m2/s
To find: Prandtl Number Pr = 0.699

(i) Heat transfer per unit width of the

plate
 UL W.k.t
Re 
 hx L
Nu 
3 2 k
Re 
16.96 10 6 hx  2
175.27 
0.2756
Re  35.377 10 4
Local heat
Reynolds number value is less than transfer co - efficient h x  2.415 W/m 2 k
5 x 105. So this is laminar flow
Average heat
For flat plate laminar flow, transfer co - efficient h  2hx
Local Nusselt
Number Nu  0.332Re 
0 .5
Pr 0.333 h  2  2.415
h = 4.83 W/m2k
(From data book pg.no.112)
Heat transfer Q  hATw  Ts 

Nu  0.332 35.377 10  0.699
4 0 .5 0.333

Q  4.83  (2  1)  (60  20)

Nu  175.37 Area  length  width 
Q  386.4W
Engine oil at 60°C flows over the upper surface of a 5 m long flat plate whose
temperature is 20°C with a velocity of 2 m/s. Determine the total drag force and the
rate of heat transfer per unit width of the entire plate.

Given data:

Fluid : Engine oil

Geometry : Flat plate
Type of flow : External flow
Velocity U = 2 m/s
Fluid temperature T∞ = 200C
(Air temperature)

Surface temperature Ts (or) TW = 600C SOLUTION:

(Plate temperature)
Velocity is given.
Length of plate L= 5m So it is forced convection Problem.

To find: Assumptions :
1. The flow is steady and incompressible.
(i) Total drag force
2. The critical Reynolds number is Recr =5 x105
(ii) The rate of heat transfer per unit
width of the entire plate.
 Tw  Ts Average friction coefficient is
Film temperature T f 
2
60  20
Tf 
2 from data book pg.no .112)
Tf = 400C

The properties of engine oil at the film

temperature of Tf =400C
(from data book pg.no .24)
Drag force FD  Shear stress  Area

UL 25
Re  
 242 10 6

Re < 5x 105
The Reynolds number is less than the critical
Reynolds number. Thus we have laminar flow over
the entire plate
Similarly, the Nusselt number is determined
using the laminar flow relations for a flat plate,
In a process water at 30°C flows over a plate maintained at 10°C with a free stream velocity of
0.3 m/s. Determine the hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness, thermal boundary layer
thickness, local and average values of friction coefficient, heat transfer coefficient and
refrigeration necessary to maintain the plate temperature. Also find the values of
displacement, momentum thicknesses and mass flow rate. Consider a plate of 1 m × 1 m size.
Given data: (iv) Heat transfer coefficient and
Fluid : Water (v) Refrigeration necessary to maintain the
Geometry : Flat plate plate temperature
Type of flow : External flow Solution:
Velocity = 0.3 m/s The film temperature Tf= (30 + 10)/2 = 20°C
Fluid temperature T∞ = 300C The property values of water at 200C are
(Water temperature) Density = 1000 kg/m3
Surface temperature TW = 100C Kinematic viscosity = 1.006 × 10–6 m2/s,
(Plate temperature) Thermal conductivity = 0.5978 W/mK
Length of plate L= 1m Prandtl number = 7.02, at 1atm
To find:
(i)Hydro dynamic boundary layer
thickness
(ii)Thermal boundary layer thickness,
The Reynolds number is less than the critical
(iii)Local and average values of friction
Reynolds number. Thus we have laminar flow over
coefficient the entire plate
 i)Hydro dynamic boundary layer thickness: Average co-efficient of friction:

CfL = 2 × CfL
= 2 × 1.216 × 10–3
= 2.432 × 10–3
(iv)Convective heat transfer co-efficient:

ii)Thermal boundary layer thickness: hx = Nux k/ L

Nux = 0.332 × Rex 0.5 Pr0.33

= 0.332 × (2.982 × 105)0.5 × (7.02)0.33

= 347.15
iii)Local co-efficient of friction:
hx = Nux k/ L = 347.15 × 0.5978/1
Cfx = 0.664/Re0.5
hx = 207.52 W/m2K
= 0.664/(2.982 × 105)0.5
Average Convective heat transfer co-efficient:
= 1.216 × 10–3

= 415.04 W/m2K
(v) Cooling required = h A ΔT (viii) Mass flow rate:
= 415.04 × 1 × 1 × (30 – 10) . 5
m  U  2 h  1h 
8
= 8301 W or 8.3 kW.
1h  0
(vi) Displacement thickness:  2 h   hx  9.156  10 3
δd = δx/3
. 5
=9.156/3 m   1000  0.3  9.156  0  10 3
= 3.052 mm 8
.
(vii) Momentum thickness: m  1.717 kg s
δm = δx/7
= 9.156/7
= 1.308 mm
External flow over cylinder:

Area = πDL

External flow over sphere:

Area = 4πr2
A cylinder 30 cm in diameter and 1.7 m high with a surface temperature of 30 0C, Calculate
the heat would be lose when wind flow at velocity of 36 km/h over the cylinder. Temperature
of wind is taken as 100C

Given data: Solution:

Fluid : Wind /Air
Geometry : Cylinder Velocity is given.
Type of flow : External flow So it is forced convection Problem.
Velocity = 36 km/hr T T
Film temperature T f  w s
=36 x 5/18 =10 m/s 2
Fluid temperature T∞ = 300C 30  10
(Wind temperature) Tf  Tf= 200C
2
Surface temperature TW = 100C
Properties of air at 200C
(Cylinder temperature) (From data book pg.no.33)
Diameter of the cylinder = 30cm =0.3m
Height of the cylinder L= 1m Density ρ = 1.205kg/m3
Thermal conductivity k = 0.02593 W/mK
To find: Kinematic viscosity ν= 15.06 x 10-6m2/s
Prandtl Number Pr =0.703
(i) Heat lose
 
UD ____
h
Re  Nu D  D  C. Re mD . Pr 0.333
 k
____
2
10  30  10  Nu D k
Re  h
15.06  106 D
 (444.7)(0.02593)
5
Re  2  10 h
30  102
The Reynolds number is less than the critical 
Reynolds number. Thus we have laminar flow over h  38.39 W/m 2 k
the entire plate
Heat loss Q  hATs  T 
Nu D  C. Re mD . Pr 0.333
A DL
For, Re  2  105
Q  38.39  (  30  102  1.7)  (30  10)
C  0.0266 m  0.805


Nu D  (0.0266). 2  105 
0.805
0.7030.333 Q  1230.2W

Nu D  444.7
Air stream at 27 0C is moving at 0.3 m/s across a 100W electric bulb at 127 0C. If the bulb is
approximately by a 60mm diameter sphere, estimate the heat transfer rate and the
percentage of power lost due to convection.

Given data: Solution:

Fluid : Air stream
Geometry : sphere Velocity is given.
Type of flow : External flow So it is forced convection Problem.
Velocity = 0.3 m/s Tw  Ts
Film temperature T f 
Fluid temperature T∞ = 270C 2
127  27
(Air temperature) Tf  Tf= 770C
2
Surface temperature TW = 1270C Properties of air at 770C
(Electric bulb temperature) (From data book pg.no.33)
Diameter of the sphere = 60mm Interpolation between 700C and 800C
= 60 x 10-3m Properties 700C 800C
Power = 100 W Density(kg/m3 ) 1.029 1
Kinematic viscosity 20.02x10-6 21.09x10-6
To find:
prandtl number 0.694 0.692
(i) Percentage of Heat lose
Thermal conductivity 0.02966 0.03047
  ____
From linear interpolation from
____
h  Nu D k
Nu D 
k
D h
calculator, D

Density ρ = 1.0087kg/m3
Thermal conductivity k = 0.030227W/mK
 21.42  0.030277 
h h  11 .69 W / m 2 k
Kinematic viscosity ν= 20.769 x 10-6m2/s 60 10 3
Prandtl Number Pr =0.6926

UD 3 Heat loss Q  hATs  T  A  4r 2

Re  (0.3)(60  10 )
 Re 
20.769  10 6 Q  (11 .69)  4  (30 103 ) 2  (127  27)
Re  866.67
The Reynolds number lies in the
Q  13.22 W
range of 17 to 70000 Q
Percentage of heatloss  100
From data book pg.no.119 Qc
13.22
Nusselt Number Nu  0.37Re 
0.6
 100
100
 0.37866.67 
0.6

Percentage of heatloss  13.22%

Nu  21.42
TURBULENT FLOW
h avg = 1.25h
Air at –10°C flows over a flat surface at 10°C with a free stream velocity of 80 m/s. The length
of the plate is 3.1 m. Determine the location at which the flow turns turbulent. Also determine the
local and average value of convection coefficient assuming that the flow is turbulent although.

Given data:
Solution:
Fluid : Air
Geometry : Flat plate Velocity is given.
Type of flow : External flow So it is forced convection Problem.
Velocity = 80 m/s Tw  Ts
Film temperature T f 
Fluid temperature T∞ = -100C 2
(Air temperature)  10  10
Tf  Tf= 00C
Surface temperature TW = 100C 2
(Plate temperature) Properties of air at 00C
Length of the plate =3.1m (From data book pg.no.33)

The property values are

To find: ν = 13.28 × 10–6 m2/s,
(i) Location at which the flow turns Pr = 0.707
k = 0.02442 W/m
to turbulent (x)
(ii) Local heat transfer co-efficient
(iii) Average heat transfer co-efficient
 This length is much shorter (2.7% of the total
Rex at = 3.1 m length) and so the assumption that flow is
turbulent all through is valid
UL
Re 
 From Data book pg.no.113

= (80 × 3.10/13.28 × 10–6) Local Nusselt number,

Nux = 0.0296 Rex 0.8 Pr0.33
Re = 1.8675 × 107 = 0.0296 × (1.8675 × 107)0.8 (0.707)0.33
= 17302.2
Re is greater than critical Re number.
Therefore, turbulent flow exists hx L Nu k
Nu  hx 
k L
Location at which flow changes:
(Laminar flow up to Re = 5x105) 17302.2 0.02442
Ux hx 
Re  Re  3.1
 x
U
hx= 136.3 W/m2K

5 105  13.28 10 6

x From Data book pg.no.113
80
Average value Nu = 0.037 Rex0.8 × Pr0.33
X= 0.083 m ∴ h = 170.4 W/m2K
The local atmospheric pressure in kodaikanal (elevation 1610 m), is 83.4 kPa. Air at this
pressure and 20°C flows with a velocity of 8 m/s over a 1.5 m 6 m flat plate whose
temperature is 140°C. Determine the rate of heat transfer from the plate if the air
flows parallel to the (a) 6-m-long side and (b) the 1.5-m side.
Solution:
Given data: Case(i) :Q when fluid flow parallel to 6 m long
Fluid : Air side
Geometry : Flat plate (i.e.) L=6m
Type of flow : External flow
Pressure = 83.4 kPa = 83.4x 10-3N/m2
Velocity = 8 m/s
Fluid temperature T∞ = 200C
(Air temperature)
Surface temperature Ts= 1400C
(Plate temperature)

To find:
(i) Heat transfer rate when the flow
parallel to 6m long side Assumptions:
1. Steady operating conditions exist.
(ii) Heat transfer rate when the flow
2.The critical Reynolds number is Recr =5 x 105
parallel to 1.5 m side
3. Air is an ideal gas
 Tw  Ts UL 8 6
Film temperature T f  Re  
2  2.548  10 5
140  20
Tf 
2

T f  800 C
which is greater than the critical Reynolds
number.
The properties k, , Cp and Pr of ideal gases are Thus, we have combined laminar and
independent of pressure. But ν change with turbulent flow
respect to pressure. _____
0.8
Nu  (0.037 Re L - 871)Pr1/3
The properties of air at the film temperature of _____
80°C and 1 atm pressure are Nu  (0.037 (1.884 106 ) 0.8 - 871)(0.7154)1/3
____
k = 0.02953 W/m k Pr = 0.7154
ν @ 1 atm =2.097 x 105 m2/s
Nu  2687
__ ____
P ____
hL __
Nu k
   1atm Nu  h
Patm k L
83.4  10 2
___
2687  0.02953
  2.097 10 
5 h 
1.01325 6
___
= 2.548 x 10-5 m2/s h  13.2 W / m 2 k
 Reynolds number at the end of the plate
As = w L becomes
= (1.5 )(6 ) = 9 m2
UL 8 1.5
Re  
Heat loss Q  hATs  T   2.548 10 5

Q  13.2  9 140  20 Re = 4.71 x 105

The Reynolds number is less than the critical
Q=1.43 x 104W Reynolds number. Thus we have laminar flow over
the entire plate
Case(ii) :Q when fluid flow parallel to 1.5 m Nusselt Number Nu  0.332Re  Pr 0.333
0.5

side (i.e.) L=1.5m

Nu  0.3324.71 105  0.7154
0.5 0.333

Nu  204
hx L h  Nu k
Nu  x
L
k
204 0.02953
hx  hx  4.015 W / m 2 k
1.5
__
h  2hx  2(4.015)
 8.03 W / m 2 k
 As = w L
= (6)(1.5 ) = 9 m2

Heat loss Q  hATs  T 

Q  8.03  9 140  20

Q=8670 W

Result:
Heat transfer rate at Length is 6m = 1.43 x 104W
Heat transfer rate at Length is 1.5m = 8670 W
Water at 30°C flows across a pipe 10 cm OD at 50°C with a velocity of 0.6 m/s. Determine the
value of convection coefficient using applicable correlations.

Given data: Solution:

Fluid : Water
Geometry : Cylinder Velocity is given.
Type of flow : External flow So it is forced convection Problem.
Velocity = 0.6 m/s
Fluid temperature T∞ = 300C Tw  Ts
Film temperature T f 
(Water temperature) 2
Surface temperature TW = 500C
30  50
(Cylinder temperature) Tf 
2
Diameter of the cylinder = 10 cm
T f  40 0 C
To find: Properties of water at 400C
(From data book pg.no.33)
(i) Convective heat transfer coefficient
 UD
Re 


0.6  0.1

0.657 10 6

Re =9.13 × 104

Nu = C. Rem Pr0.333
From tables C = 0.0266, m = 0.805

Nu = 0.0266 x (9.13x104)0.805 4.340.333

Nu = 427.22

h = Nu k/D
=427.22 x 0.682/0.1
= 2683 W/m2K
Dry air at 80°C blows over a copper sphere at 320°C at a velocity of 14 m/s. The diameter of the
sphere is 25 mm. Determine the heat transfer rate at that instant.

Given data:
Solution:
Fluid :Dry air
Velocity is given.
Geometry : sphere
So it is forced convection Problem.
Type of flow : External flow
Velocity = 14 m/s Tw  Ts
Fluid temperature T∞ = 800C Film temperature T f 
2
(Water temperature) 320  80
Tf  T f  2000 C
Surface temperature TW = 3200C 2
(Cylinder temperature) ν = 34.85 × 10–6 m2/s
Diameter of the cylinder = 25mm Pr = 0.68
k = 0.03931 W/mK
To find: UD
(i) Convective heat transfer coefficient Re 

Re =14 x 0.025 /34.85 × 10–6
= 1 × 104
 Nu = 2 + (0.25 Re + 3 × 10–4 Re1.6)0.5 We can also use:
= 2 + (0.25 x104+ 3 × 10–4 (104)1.6)0.5
Nu = 59.18 Nu = 0.37 × Re0.6
Nu = 0.37 × (1x104)0.6
h = Nu k/D
= 93.17
h = 59.18 x0.03931/(25x10-3)
h = Nu k/D
h = 93.05 W/m2K
h = 93.17 x0.03931/(25x10-3)
Heat transfer rate Q  hA T
h = 146.5 W/m2K
Q= h (4 π r2 ) ΔT Q= h (4 π r2 ) ΔT

Q= 93.05 x 4 π (12.5x10-3)2 x (320-80) Q= 146.5 x 4 π (12.5x10-3)2 x (320-80)

Q= 43.85 W Q=69.01 W
FLOW OVER BANK OF TUBES

(i) In line Arrangement (ii)Staggered Arrangement

20 mm OD copper tubes are arranged in line at 30 mm pitch perpendicular to flow and 25 mm
pitch along the flow. The entry velocity of air is 1 m/s, and the air temperature is 20°C. The tube
wall is at 40°C. Determine the value of convection coefficient if the number of tubes along the
flow is 6 (or Bank is 6 rows deep).
Solution:
Given Data : T  Tw
Film temperature T f 
2
Diameter of the tube D = 20 mm
40  20 T f  300 C
Pitch along the line Sp = Sl =30 mm Tf 
2
Pitch transverse to flow Sn =St= 25 mm
Property values at Tf = 30°C are
Velocity of air U∞ = 1m/s
ν = 16 × 10–6 m2/s
Air temperature T ∞ = 200C
Pr = 0.701
Tube wall temperature Tw= 400C k = 0.02675 W/mK
No. of rows n =6
To check
To find:

(i) Convection coefficient (h)

  30  2 
(30  20)  2    25  2(20)
2

  2  
10 < 18.3
Condition satisfied.
 For Corresponding value of C and n
In line: for the above ratio values

C = 0.367
n = 0.586
30
Vmax  1
30  20
Nu = (0.367) (3750)0.586
Vmax  3 m / s
3  20 10 3 Nu = 45.61
U max D Re 
Re 
 16 10 6
h = Nu k/D
Re  3750 h = (45.61 x 0.02675)/(20x 10-3)

2000  Re  40000 h = 61.0 W/m2K

But the bank is only 6 rows only.

Nu = C Ren
From data book pg.no122
Sl/D = 30/20 =1.5
h6/h10 =0.94
St/D =30/25= 1.25

∴ h6 = h10 × 0.94 = 61 x 0.94 = 57.34 W/m2K

 Same problems staggered arrangement
20 mm OD copper tubes are arranged staggered at 30 mm pitch perpendicular to flow and 25
mm pitch along the flow. The entry velocity of air is 1 m/s, and the air temperature is 20°C. The
tube wall is at 40°C. Determine the value of convection coefficient if the number of tubes along
the flow is 6 (or Bank is 6 rows deep). Solution:
Given Data : T  Tw
Film temperature T f 
2
Staggered arrangement
40  20 T f  300 C
Diameter of the tube D = 20 mm Tf 
Pitch along the line Sp = Sl =25 mm 2
Pitch transverse to flow Sn =St= 30 mm Property values at Tf = 30°C are
Velocity of air U∞ = 1m/s ν = 16 × 10–6 m2/s
Pr = 0.701
Air temperature T ∞ = 200C
k = 0.02675 W/mK
Tube wall temperature Tw= 400C
To check
No. of rows n =6

To find:

(i) Convection coefficient (h)   30  2 

(30  20)  2    25  2(20)
2

  2  
10 < 18.3
Condition satisfied.
 For Corresponding value of C and n
Stragged arrangement
for the above ratio values
30
Vmax  1
30  20 C = 0.451
Vmax  3 m / s n = 0.568

Nu = (0.451) (3750)0.568
0.5
 2  30  2  Nu = 48.33
S D  25    
  2 
S D  29.15 h = Nu k/D
30  10 3 h = (48.33x 0.02675)/(20x 10-3)
Vmax  3
1
2(29.15  20)  10
Vmax  1.638 m / s Take max.velocity h = 64.64W/m2K
But the bank is only 6 rows only.
U max D 3  20 10 3
Re  Re 
 16 10 6 From data book pg.no122
Re  3750
Nu = C Ren h6/h10 =0.95
Sl/D = 30/20 =1.5 ∴ h6 = h10 × 0.95 = 64.64 x 0.95
St/D =30/25= 1.25 =61.408W/m2K
In a surface condenser, water flows through staggered tubes while the air is passed in cross flow
over the tubes. The temperature and velocity of air are 300C and 8 m/s respectively. The
longitudinal and transverse pitches are 22 mm and 20 mm respectively. The tube outside
diameter is 18 mm and tube surface temperature is 90 0C. Calculate the heat transfer coefficient
if the number of tubes is 10 (or Bank is 10 rows deep).

Given Data : Solution:

T T
Diameter of the tube D = 18 mm Film temperature T f   w
2
Pitch along the line Sp = Sl =22 mm 30  90 T f  600 C
Tf 
Pitch transverse to flow Sn =St= 20 mm 2
Property values of water at Tf = 60°C are
Velocity of air U∞ = 8m/s
ν=
Air temperature T ∞ =30 0C
Pr =
Tube wall temperature Tw= 900C k=
No. of rows n = 10
To check
To find:

(i) Convection coefficient (h)

 For Corresponding value of C and n
Stragged arrangement
for the above ratio values

Vmax 

Nu = C Ren

h = Nu k/D
Vmax 
Take max.velocity
U max D
Re 

Re 
Nu =
Sl/D =
St/D =
FLOW THROUGH A CYLINDER - INTERNAL FLOW

Condition for Laminar flow:

Reynolds number <2300

 Internal flow problems

Procedure for solving the problem:

Mean Properties Reynolds Nusselt number

temperature from Data number from data book
book

Heat transfer
coefficient

Heat transfer
rate
Water flows inside a tube of 20 mm diameter and 3 m long at a velocity of 0.03 m/s. The water
gets heated from 40OC to 120°C while passing through the tube. The tube-wall is maintained at
constant temperature of 160°C. Find heat transfer.

Given Data :
Diameter of tube, D= 20 mm = 0.020 m
Length, L =3 m
Velocity, U =0.03 m/s
Inner temperature of water, Tmi =400C
Outer temperature of water, Tmo =1200C
Wall temperature, Tw= 1600C

To find:
Heat transfer (Q).

Solution:

We know that,

Bulk mean temperature, Tm

When 0.6 kg of water per minute is passed through a tube of 2 cm diameter , it is found to be
heated from 20°C to 60 °C The heating is achieved by condensing steam on the surface of the
tube and subsequently the surface temperature of the tube is maintained at 90°C Determine the
length of the tube required for fully developed flow.

Given: 20  60
Tm 
Mass, m = 0.6 kg/min 2
= 0.6/60 kg/s Tm  400 C
= 0.01 kg/s
Diameter, D = 2 cm = 0.02 m
Properties of water at 400C :
Inlet temperature, Tmi = 200C
[From HMT data book, Page No. 21 (Sixth
Outlet temperature, Tmo = 600C Edition)]
Tube surface temperature Tw= 900C
ρ= 995 kg/m3
To find: ν= 0.657 x 10-6 m2/s
Length of the tube, (L). Pr =4.340
k= 0.628 W/mK
Solution: Cp =4178 J/kg K

Bulk mean temperature, Mass flow rate,

T T .
Tm  mi mo m  AU
2
 .
m Nu= h D/k
U
A
h = Nu k/D
0.01
U 3.66  0.628
 h
995  (0.02) 2
0.02
4
h  114 .9W / m 2 k
Velocity U = 0.031 m/s
Q  mC p T
UD
Re 

Q  0.01 4.178  (60  20)
0.031 0.02
Re  Q  1671.2 W
0.657  10 6
Q  hAT
Re  943.6
Q  h(DL)(Tw  Tm )
Since Re < 2300, flow is laminar.
For laminar flow, 1671.2  114 .9(  0.02  L)(90  40)
Nusselt Number, Nu =3.66
[From HMT data book, Page No. 123 (Sixth Edition)] L  4.62m
Water at 50°C enters 50 mm diameter and 4 m long tube with a velocity of 0.8 m/s. The tube
wall is maintained at a constant temperature of 90°C. Determine the heat transfer coefficient
and the total amount of heat transferred if exit water temperature is 70°C.

Given: 50  70
Diameter, D = 50 mm = 0.05 m Tm  Tm  600 C
2
Length, L = 4 m
Velocity, U =0.8 mls
Inner temperature of water Tmi = 500C Properties of water at 600C :
[From HMT data book, Page No. 21 (Sixth
Exit temperature of water Tmo = 700C
Edition)]
Tube surface temperature Tw= 900C
ρ= 995 kg/m3
To find: ν= 0.478 x 10-6 m2/s
Pr =3.020
1. Heat transfer coefficient, (h). k= 0.6513W/mK
2. Heat transfer, (Q). Cp =4178 J/kg K

Solution: UD
Re  0.8  0.05
 Re 
Bulk mean temperature 0.478  10 6
Re  8.36  10 4
Tmi  Tmo
Tm  Since Re > 2300, flow is Turbulent
2
 L/D = 4/0.05 =80 Nu= h D/k

L/D = 80 >60 h = Nu k/D

Re = 8.36 x 104 >10000 310 0.6513

h
Pr= 3.020 0.05

0.6<Pr<160 h  4039.3W / m 2 k
L/D ratio is greater than 60.
Re value is greater than 10,000 and Q  hAT
Pr value is in between 0.6 and 160.
Assume fully developed flow Q  h(DL)(Tw  Tm )

Nu  0.023Re  Pr n
0.8
Q  4093.3(  0.05  4)(90  60)

From HMT data book, Page No. 125 Q  76139W

(Sixth Edition)
Nu = 0.023 (8.36 x 104)0.8 x (3.020)0.4 Result:
I. Heat transfer coefficient, h = 4039.3 W/m2K.
Nu =310 2. Heat transfer, Q = 76139 W.
Air at 150C, 35 m/s, flows through a hollow cylinder of 4 cm inner diameter and 6 cm outer
diameter and leaves at 450C. Tube wall is maintained at 600 C. Calculate the heat transfer
coefficient between the air and the inner tube.

Given: 15  45 Tm  30 0 C
Tm 
Inner diameter, D = 4cm=0.04 m 2
Outer diameter, D = 6cm=0.06 m
Velocity, U =35 mls Properties of air at 300C :
Inner temperature of air Tmi = 150C [From HMT data book, Page No. 33 (Sixth
Exit temperature of air Tmo = 450C Edition)]
Tube surface temperature Tw= 900C
ρ= 1.165kg/m3
To find: ν= 16x 10-6 m2/s
Pr =0.701
1. Heat transfer coefficient, (h). k= 0.02675W/mK

Solution: Hydraulic or Equivalent diameter

Bulk mean temperature

 
4 A 4  4 D0  Di
2 2

De  
P  D0  Di 
Tmi  Tmo
Tm 
2
 Re value is greater than 10,000 and
4
4
D 2
0  Di2  Pr value is in between 0.6 and 160.
Assume fully developed flow
De 
 D0  Di  n=0.4 for heating process
Nu  0.023Re  Pr n
0.8

De 
D0  Di D0  Di 
D0  Di  From HMT data book, Page No. 125
(Sixth Edition)
De  D0  Di  Nu = 0.023 (4.3750 x 104)0.8 x (0.701)0.4

De  0.06  0.04 Nu =102.9

De  0.02m Nu= h D/k h = Nu k/D

UD 26.75  10 3  102.9
Re  h
 0.02
35  0.02
Re 
16 10 6 h  137.7 W / m 2 k

Re  4.375 10 4

Since Re > 2300, flow is Turbulent

Air at 2 bar pressure and bulk temperature of 2000C is heated as it flows through a tube with a
diameter of 25.4 mm at a velocity of 10 m/s. Calculate the heat transfer per unit length of tube if
a constant heat flux condition is maintained at the wall and the wall temperature is 20OC above
the air temperature all along the length of the tube. How much would the bulk temperature
increase over a 3 m length of the tube.

Given:

Case (i) :
Pressure, p = 2 bar = 2 x 105 N/m2
Air bulk temperature, Tm =200°C
Diameter of tube, D =25.4 mm =0.025 m
Velocity, U =10 m/s
Wall temperature is 20°C above the air
temperature.
i.e., Tw = 200 + 20 = 220°C
Length, L 1= 1m
Case(ii): L 2= 1m

To find :
I. Heat transfer per unit length of the tube
2. Increase in bulk -temperature over a 3 m
length of the tube.
 FREE CONVECTION

Cylinder Sphere
PLATE

Horizontal Vertical Plate

Plate
FREE CONVECTION

Procedure for solving the problem:

Co-efficient of Groshof
Film Properties number
thermal
Temperature from Data
expansion
book
Define the flow by Gr.Pr
value

Nusselt number equation from

data book

Heat transfer
coefficient

Heat transfer
rate
Vertical Plate:
A vertical plate of 0.75 m height is at 1700C and is exposed to air at a temperature of 1050C and
one atmosphere. Calculate:
1. Mean heat transfer coefficient,
2. Rate of heat transfer per unit width of the plate.
Given: T T
Film temperature T f   w
Length L= 0.75m 2
Temperature of air T∞= 15 C0
170  105
Tf 
2
Wall temperature Tw= 170 C 0

T f  137.50 C
To find: Properties of air at Tf = 137.50C ≈1400C
(From HMT data book pg.no:33)
1. Heat transfer coefficient, (h).
2. Rate of heat transfer per unit width of the
Density ρ=0.854 kg/m3
plate.
kinematic viscosity ν =27.8 x 10-6 m2/s
Prandtl Number Pr = 0.684
Solution:
Thermal Conductivity k= 0.03489 W/mK
Velocity is not given. So this is natural
convection type problem
Coefficient of thermal expansion β = 1/(Tf ) Gr.Pr value is lies between 104 and 109
(i.e.) 104 <Gr.Pr<109
1

137.5  273 Average Nusselt Number
_____
Nu  0.59(Gr Pr) 0.25
  2.4 10 3 K 1
From data book pg.no.134
_____
gL3 T Nu  0.59(5.71108 ) 0.25
Gr 
2 _____
Nu  91.21
3
9.81 2.4  10  (0.75 )  (170  105)
3
Gr  _____
hL
(27.8  106 ) 2 Nu 
k
Gr  8.35 108 h  0.75
91.21 
0.03489
Gr. Pr  8.35 108  0.684 h  4.24 W / m 2 k
Gr. Pr  5.71108 Q  hAT Q  h(WL)(Tw  Tm )
Gr. Pr  109 Q  4.24  (1 0.75)(170  105)
Therefore, the flow is laminar
W  1m
Q  206.8W
A vertical plate of 0.7 m wide and 1.2 m height maintained at a temperature of 90 0C in a room at
300C. Calculate the convective heat loss.

Given: Properties of air at Tf = 600C

Geometry :Vertical plate (From HMT data book pg.no:33)
Fluid :Air
Wide, W = 0.7 m Density ρ=1.06kg/m3
Height (or) Length, L =1.2 m kinematic viscosity ν =18.97x 10-6 m2/s
Wall temperature, Tw= 900C Prandtl Number Pr = 0.696
Room temperature, T∞= 300C Thermal Conductivity k= 0.02896 W/mK

To find: Coefficient of thermal expansion β = 1/(Tf )

Convective heat loss (Q).
1

Solution: 60  273
Velocity (U) is not given. So, this is natural
convection type problem.   3 10 3 K 1
We know that,
T T
Film temperature T f   w
2
90  30 T f  600 C
Tf 
2
 _____
gL T
3
Nu  0.1(5.9 109 ) 0.333
Gr 
2
_____

9.81 3  10 3  (1.23 )  (90  30) Nu  179.3

Gr 
(18.97  10 6 ) 2 _____
hL
Nu 
k
Gr  8.4 109
h  1.2
179.3 
0.02896
Gr. Pr  8.4  109  0.696

Gr. Pr  5.9 109 h  4.32 W / m 2 k

Gr. Pr  109
Q  hAT
Therefore, the flow is turbulent
Q  h(WL)(Tw  Tm )
Gr.Pr value is greater than 109
(i.e.) Gr.Pr>109 Q  4.32  (1.2  0.7)(90  30)

Average Nusselt Number Q  218.16W

_____
Nu  0.1(Gr Pr) 0.333
From data book pg.no.134
Horizontal plate:
A horizontal plate of 800 mm long,70 mm wide is maintained at a temperature of 140 0C is kept
in a large tank of full of water at 60 0C. Determine the total heat loss from the plate

Given:
Geometry : Horizontal plate Properties of water at Tf = 1000C
Fluid : Water (From HMT data book pg.no:33)
Horizontal plate length, L = 800 mm = 0.8 m
Wide, W = 70 mm Density ρ=961kg/m3
Plate temperature, Tw = 140°C kinematic viscosity ν =0.293x 10-6 m2/s
Fluid temperature, T∞= 60°C Prandtl Number Pr = 1.74
Thermal Conductivity k= 0.6804 W/mK

To find: Coefficient of thermal expansion β = 1/(Tf )

Total heat loss from the plate.
1
Solution: 
100  273
Velocity (U) is not given. So, this is natural
convection type problem.   0.76 10 3 K 1
We know that,
T T Data book pg.no 29
Film temperature T f   w
2
140  60 T f  1000 C
Tf 
2
 gL3 T Horizontal plate,
Gr 
2 upper surface heated:
Gr to be calculated with L c= Area/Perimeter
Nusselt Number, Nu = 0.15 (Gr Pr)0.333
L W 8 x 106 < Gr.Pr < 1011
Lc 
2L  W  [From HMT data book, Page No. 135 (Sixth
800  70 Edition)]

2800  70 
Nu = 0.15 [0.518 x 109]0.333
Lc  32.18mm
Nu = 119.66
hL
9.81 0.76 10 3  (0.032183 )  (140  60) Nu 
Gr  k
(0.297 10 6 ) 2
h  32.18 10 3
119 .66 
Gr  0.297 109 0.6804
Gr. Pr  0.297 109 1.74 h  hu  2326.19 W / m 2 k
Gr. Pr  0.518 109 Lower surface heated
Gr.Pr value is lies between 8 x 106 and 1011 Nu = 0.27 [Gr.Pr]0.25
(i.e.) 8 x 106 < Gr. Pr<1011
Nu = 0.27 [0.518x109]0.25

Nu = 40.73
 hL
Nu 
k
h  32.18 10 3
40.73 
0.6804
h  hl  791.79 W / m 2 k

h  hu  hl

 2326.19  791.19

h  3117 .38W / m 2 k

Q  hAT
Q  h(WL)(Tw  T )

Q  3117.38  (0.070  0.8)(140  60)

Q  13968.55W
A steam pipe 10 cm outside diameter runs horizontally in a room at 23 0C. Take the
outside surface temperature of pipe as 1650C. Determine the heat loss per metre length of
the pipe.
Properties of air at Tf = 940C≈ 950C
Given:
(From HMT data book )
Geometry : cylinder
Fluid : Air
Density ρ=0.959kg/m3
Diameter of the pipe D= 10 cm =0.1m
kinematic viscosity ν =22.615x 10-6 m2/s
Wall temperature, Tw = 165°C
Prandtl Number Pr = 0.689
Ambient air temperature, T∞= 23°C
Thermal Conductivity k= 0.03169W/mK

Coefficient of thermal expansion β = 1/(Tf )

To find:
Total heat loss per meter length 1

Solution: 94  273
Velocity (U) is not given. So, this is natural
convection type problem.   2.72  10 3 K 1
We know that,
T T
g D 3 T
Film temperature T f   w Gr 
2 2
165  23 9.81 2.72  103  (0.1)3  (165  23)
Tf  Gr 
2 (22.615  106 ) 2
T f  940 C