UNIT IV

CONVECTION
PART A
1. What is dimensional analysis?
Dimensional analysis is a mathematical method which makes use of the study of
the dimensions for solving several engineering problems. This method can be applied to
all types of fluid resistances, heat flow problems in fluid mechanics and
thermodynamics.
2. State Buckingham p theorem.
Buckingham p theorem states as Follows: If there are n variables in a
dimensionally homogeneous equation and if these contain m fundamental dimensions,
then the variables are arranged into (n m) dimensionless terms. These dimensionless
terms are called p terms.
3. What are all the advantages of dimensional analysis?
1. It expresses the functional relationship between the variables in dimensional
terms.
2. It enables getting up a theoretical solution in a simplified dimensionless form.
3. The results of one series of tests can be applied to a large number of other similar
problems with the help of dimensional analysis.
4. What are all the limitations of dimensional analysis?
1.
2.
3.

The complete information is not provided by dimensional analysis. It only indicates that there is some relationship between the parameters.
No information is given about the internal mechanism of physical phenomenon.
Dimensional analysis does not give any clue regarding the selection of variables.

5. Define Reynolds number (Re).

It is defined as the ratio of inertia force to viscous force.

6. Define prandtl number (Pr).

It is the ratio of the momentum diffusivity of the thermal diffusivity.

7. Define Nusselt number (Nu).
It is defined as the ratio of the heat flow by convection process under an unit
temperature gradient to the heat flow rate by conduction under an unit temperature
gradient through a stationary thickness (L) of metre.
Nusselt number (Nu) =
8. Define Grash of number (Gr).
It is defined as the ratio of product of inertia force and buoyancy force to the
square of viscous force.

9. Define Stanton number (St).

It is the ratio of nusselt number to the product of Reynolds number and prandtl
number.

10. What is meant by Newtonion and non Newtonion fluids?

The fluids which obey the Newtons Law of viscosity are called Newtonion fluids
and those which do not obey are called non newtonion fluids.
11. What is meant by laminar flow and turbulent flow?
Laminar flow: Laminar flow is sometimes called stream line flow. In this type of flow,
the fluid moves in layers and each fluid particle follows a smooth continuous path. The
fluid particles in each layer remain in an orderly sequence without mixing with each
other.

Turbulent flow: In addition to the laminar type of flow, a distinct irregular flow is
frequency observed in nature. This type of flow is called turbulent flow. The path of any
individual particle is zig zag and irregular. Fig. shows the instantaneous velocity in
laminar and turbulent flow.
12. What is hydrodynamic boundary layer?
In hydrodynamic boundary layer, velocity of the fluid is less than 99% of free
stream velocity.
13. What is thermal boundary layer?
In thermal boundary layer, temperature of the fluid is less than 99% of free
stream velocity.
14. Define convection.
Convection is a process of heat transfer that will occur between a solid surface
and a fluid medium when they are at different temperatures.
15. State Newtons law of convection.
Heat transfer from the moving fluid to solid surface is given by the equation
Q = h A (Tw T)
This equation is referred to as Newtons law of cooling.
Where
h Local heat transfer coefficient in W/m2K.
A Surface area in m2
Tw Surface (or) Wall temperature in K

T - Temperature of fluid in K.
16. What is meant by free or natural convection?
If the fluid motion is produced due to change in density resulting from
temperature gradients, the mode of heat transfer is said to be free or natural
convection.
17. What is forced convection?
If the fluid motion is artificially created by means of an external force like a
blower or fan, that type of heat transfer is known as forced convection.
18. According to Newtons law of cooling the amount of heat transfer from a solid
surface of area A at temperature Tw to a fluid at a temperature T is given by
_____________.
Ans : Q = h A (Tw T)
19. What is the form of equation used to calculate heat transfer for flow through
cylindrical pipes?
Nu = 0.023 (Re)0.8 (Pr)n
n = 0.4 for heating of fluids
n = 0.3 for cooling of fluids
20. What are the dimensionless parameters used in forced convection?
1. Reynolds number (Re)
2. Nusdselt number (Nu)
3. Prandtl number (Pr)
21. Define boundary layer thickness.
The thickness of the boundary layer has been defined as the distance from the
surface at which the local velocity or temperature reaches 99% of the external velocity or
temperature.

PART B

1. Air at 20C, at a pressure of 1 bar is flowing over a flat plate at a velocity of 3 m/s. if
the plate maintained at 60C, calculate the heat transfer per unit width of the plate.
Assuming the length of the plate along the flow of air is 2m.
Given : Fluid temperature T = 20C,
Pressure p
= 1 bar,
Velocity U
= 3 m/s,
Plate surface temperature Tw = 60C,
Width W
= 1 m,
Length L
= 2m.
Solution : We know,
Film temperature

Properties of air at 40C:

Density r = 1.129 Kg/m3
Thermal conductivity K =
Kinematic viscosity v =
Prandtl number
Pr = 0.699
We know,
Reynolds number Re =

Reynolds number value is less than 5 105, so this is laminar flow.

For flat plate, Laminar flow,
Local Nusselt Number Nux = 0.332 (Re)0.5 (Pr)0.333

Local heat transfer coefficient hx = 2.327 W/m2K

We know,
Average heat transfer coefficient h = 2 hx

h = 4.65 W/m2K
Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw - T)

2. Air at 20C at atmospheric pressure flows over a flat plate at a velocity of 3 m/s. if
the plate is 1 m wide and 80C, calculate the following at x = 300 mm.
1. Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness,
2. Thermal boundary layer thickness,
3. Local friction coefficient,
4. Average friction coefficient,
5. Local heat transfer coefficient
6. Average heat transfer coefficient,
7. Heat transfer.
Given: Fluid temperature T = 20C
Velocity
U = 3 m/s
Wide
W=1m
Surface temperature
Tw = 80C
Distance x = 300 mm = 0.3 m
Solution: We know
Film temperature

We know,
Reynolds number Re =
Since Re < 5 105, flow is laminar
For Flat plate, laminar flow,
1. Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness:

2. Thermal boundary layer thickness:

3. Local Friction coefficient:

4. Average friction coefficient:

5. Local heat transfer coefficient (hx):

Local Nusselt Number
Nux = 0.332 (Re)0.5 (Pr)0.333
We know
Local Nusselt Number
6. Average heat transfer coefficient (h):

7. Heat transfer:
We know that,

3. Air at 30C flows over a flat plate at a velocity of 2 m/s. The plate is 2 m long and
1.5 m wide. Calculate the following:
1. Boundary layer thickness at the trailing edge of the plate,
2. Total drag force,
3. Total mass flow rate through the boundary layer between x = 40 cm and x = 85
cm.
Given: Fluid temperature T = 30C
Velocity
U = 2 m/s
Length
L =2m
Wide W
W = 1.5 m
To find:
1. Boundary layer thickness

2. Total drag force.

3. Total mass flow rate through the boundary layer between x = 40 cm and x = 85
cm.
Solution: Properties of air at 30C
We know,
Reynolds number

For flat plate, laminar flow, [from HMT data book, Page No.99]
Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness

Thermal boundary layer thickness,

We know,
Average friction coefficient,

We know

Total mass flow rate between x = 40 cm and x= 85 cm.

Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness

4. Air at 30C, Flows over a flat plate at a velocity of 4 m/s. The plate measures 50 30
cm and is maintained at a uniform temperature of 90C. Compare the heat loss from
the plate when the air flows
(a) Parallel to 50 cm,

(b) Parallel to 30 cm
Also calculate the percentage of heat loss.
Given: Fluid temperature T = 30C
Velocity U
= 4 m/s
Plate dimensions = 50 cm 30 cm
Surface temperature Tw = 90C
Solution: Film temperature

Properties of air at 60C,

Case (i) : When the flow is parallel to 50 cm.

Reynolds number

Local nusselt number NUx = 0.332(Re)0.5(Pr)0.333

NUx =0.332
Local nusselt number NUx =95.35
We know

We know
Average heat transfer coefficient

Case (ii) : When the flow is parallel to 30 cm side.

Reynolds number Re =
For flat plate, laminar flow,
Local Nusselt Number
We know that, NUx =

Average heat transfer coefficient h = 2hx

Case (iii):

5. Air at 40C is flows over a flat plate of 0.9 m at a velocity of 3 m/s. Calculate the
following:
1. Overall drag coefficient
2. Average shear stress,
3. Compare the average shear stress with local shear stress (shear stress at the
trailing edge)
Given : Fluid temperature T = 40C
Length L = 0.9 m
Velocity U = 3 m/s.
Solution:
Properties of air at 40C:
We know,
Reynolds number
For plate, laminar flow,
Drag coefficient (or) Average skin friction coefficient

We know
Average friction coefficient
We know,

Local skin friction coefficient

we know
Local skin friction coefficient

6. Air at 290C flows over a flat plate at a velocity of 6 m/s. The plate is 1m long and
0.5 m wide. The pressure of the air is 6 kN/ 2. If the plate is maintained at a
temperature of 70C, estimate the rate of heat removed from the plate.
Given : Fluid temperature T = 290C
Velocity U
= 6 m/s.
Length L
=1m
Wide W
= 0.5 m
Pressure of air P = 6 kN/m2
Plate surface temperature Tw = 70C
To find: Heat removed from the plate
Solution:
We know
Film temperature

Properties of air at 180C (At atmospheric pressure)

Note: Pressure other than atmospheric pressure is given, so kinematic viscosity will
vary with pressure. Pr, K, Cp are same for all pressures.
Kinematic viscosity

We know,
Reynolds number

For plate, laminar flow,

Local nusselt number
We know
NUx =

We know
Average heat transfer coefficient h = 2hx

Heat transfer from both side of the plate = 2 254.1

= 508.2 W.
7. Air at 40C flows over a flat plate, 0.8 m long at a velocity of 50 m/s. The plate
surface is maintained at 300C. Determine the heat transferred from the entire plate
length to air taking into consideration both laminar and turbulent portion of the
boundary layer. Also calculate the percentage error if the boundary layer is assumed
to be turbulent nature from the very leading edge of the plate.
Given : Fluid temperature T = 40C
Length
L = 0.8 m
Velocity
U = 50 m/s
Plate surface temperature Tw = 300C
To find :
1. Heat transferred for:
i.
Entire plate is considered as combination of both laminar and turbulent
flow.
ii. Entire plate is considered as turbulent flow.
2. Percentage error.

Solution: We know
Film temperature T
We know

Case (i): Laminar turbulent combined. [It means, flow is laminar upto Reynolds
number value is 5 105, after that flow is turbulent]
Average nusselt number = Nu = (Pr)0.333 (Re)0.8 871
Nu = (0.6815)0.333 [0.037 (1.26 106)0.8 871
Average nusselt number Nu = 1705.3

Case (ii) : Entire plate is turbulent flow:

Local nusselt number} Nux = 0.0296 (Re)0.8 (Pr)0.333
NUx = 0.0296 (1.26 106)0.8 (0.6815)0.333
NUx = 1977.57
We know

Local heat transfer coefficient hx = 91.46 W/m2K

Average heat transfer coefficient (for turbulent flow)
h = 1.24 hx
= 1.24 91.46
Average heat transfer coefficient} h = 113.41 W/m2K
We know Heat transfer Q2 = h A (Tw + T)
= h L W (Tw + T)
= 113.41 0.8 1 (300 40)
Q2 = 23589.2 W

8. Air at 20C flows over a flat plate at 60C with a free stream velocity of 6 m/s.
Determine the value of the average convective heat transfer coefficient upto a length
of 1 m in the flow direction.
Given : Fluid temperature T = 20C
Plate temperature Tw = 60C
Velocity
U = 6 m/s
Length
L =1m
To find : Average heat transfer coefficient
Solution : We know

We know
Reynolds number Re =
For flat plate, laminar flow
Local nusselt number} Nux = 0.332 (Re)0.5 (Pr)0.333
= 0.332 (3.53 105)0.5 (0.699)0.333
NUx = 175.27
We know,
Local nusselt number}

9. Air at 25C at the atmospheric pressure is flowing over a flat plate at 3 m/s. If the
plate is 1 m wide and the temperature Tw = 75C. Calculate the following at a location
of 1m from leading edge.
1.i.
Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness,
1.ii.
Local friction coefficient,
1.iii.
Thermal boundary layer thickness,
1.iv.
Local heat transfer coefficient
Given : Fluid temperature T = 25C
Velocity
U = 3 m/s
Wide
W=1m

Plate surface temperature Tw = 75C

Distance
=1m
To find:
1.1.1.
1.1.2.
1.1.3.
1.1.4.

Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness.

Local friction coefficient
Thermal boundary layer thickness
Local heat transfer coefficient

Solution: We know

We know,
Reynolds number Re=

For flat plate, laminar flow,

1. Hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness,

2. Local friction coefficient

3. Thermal boundary layer thickness,

4. Local heat transfer coefficient (hx):

We know
Local nusselt number} NUx = 0.332 (Re)0.5 (Pr)0.333
= 0.332 (1.67 105)0.5 (0.698)0.333

NUx = 120.415

10. Atmospheric air at 300 K with a velocity of 2.5 m/s flows over a flat plate of length
L = 2m and width W = 1m maintained at uniform temperature of 400 K. Calculate the
local heat transfer coefficient at 1 m length and the average heat transfer coefficient
from L = 0 to L = 2m. Also find the heat transfer,
Given : Fluid temperature T = 300 K
Velocity
U = 2.5 m/s
Total Length
L =2m
Width
W=1m
Surface temperature
Tw = 400 K
To find:
1. Local heat transfer coefficient at L = 1 m
2. Average heat transfer coefficient at L = 2 m
3. Heat transfer Q
Solution:
Case (i): Local heat transfer coefficient at L = 1m

For flat plate, laminar flow,

Local Nusselt number} NUx = 0.332 (Re)0.5 (Pr)0.333
= 0.332 (118539.5)0.5 (0.692)0.333
NUx = 101.18
We know,
Local nusselt number}
101.18 =
hx = 3.0832 W/m2K

 Local heat transfer coefficient} hx = 3.08 W/m2K

Case (ii): Average heat transfer coefficient at L = 2m
Reynolds number Re =

For flat plate, laminar flow,

NUx = 0.332 (Re)0.5 (Pr)0.333
= 0.332 (237079.18)0.5 (0.692)0.333
NUx = 143

Local heat transfer coefficient} hx = 2.17 W/m2K

We know that,
Average heat transfer coefficient} h = 2 hx
h = 2 2.17
h = 4.35 W/m2K
Average heat transfer coefficient} h = 4.35 W/m2K
Case (iii) : Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw - T)
= 4.35 2 1 (400 300)
Q = 870 W.
11. For a particular engine, the underside of the crank case can be idealized as a flat
plat measuring 80 cm 20 cm. The engine runs at 80 km/hr and the crank case is
cooled by air flowing past it at the same speed. Calculate the loss of heat from the
crank case surface of temperature 75C to the ambient air temperature 25C. Assume
the boundary layer becomes turbulent from the loading edge itself.
Given : Area A = 80 cm 20 cm
= 1600 cm2 = 0.16m2
Velocity U = 80 Km/hr
Flow is turbulent from the leading edge, i.e,. flow is fully turbulent.

To find:
1. Heat loss

We know

For flat plate, turbulent flow,

[Fully turbulent from leading edge given]
Local Nusselt number} NUx = 0.0296 (Re)0.8 (Pt)0.333
= 0.0296 [9 105]0.8 (0.698)0.33
NUx = 1524.6
We know that,

Local heat transfer coefficient} hx = 53.85 W/m2K

For turbulent flow, flat plate
Average heat transfer coefficient} h = 1.24 hx
h = 1.24 53.85
h = 66.78 W/m2K
We know,
Heat loss Q = h A (Tw - T)
= 66.78 0.16 (75 25)
Q = 534.2 W
Formula used for Flow over cylinders and spheres
1. Film temperature
Where T - Fluid temperature C
Tw Plate surface temperature C
2. Reynolds number
Where U Velocity, m/s
D - Diameter, m

n - Kinematic viscosity, m2/s

3. Nusselt number NU = C (Re)m (Pr)0.333
4. Nusselt number NU =
5. Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw - T)
Where A =
For sphere:
Nusselt number NU = 0.37 (Re)0.6
Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw - T)
Where A 4pr2
12. Air at 15C, 30 km/h flows over a cylinder of 400 mm diameter and 1500 mm
height with surface temperature of 45C. Calculate the heat loss.
Given : Fluid temperature T = 15C
Velocity
U = 30 Km/h

Diameter D = 400 mm = 0.4 m

Length L = 1500 mm = 1.5 m
Plate surface temperature Tw = 45C
To find: Heat loss.
Solution: We know
Film temperature

Properties of air at 30C : [From HMT data book, Page No.22]

Density r = 1.165 Kg/m3
Kinematic viscosity v = 16 10-6 m2/s
Prandtl Number Pr = 0.701
Thermal conductivity K = 26.75 10-3 W/mK
We know

Reynolds Number Re =

We know
Nusselt Number Nu = C (Re)m (Pr)0.333
[From HMT data book, Page No.105]
ReD value is 2.08 105, so C value is 0.0266 and m value is 0.805.
[From HMT data book, Page No.105]
NU = 0.0266 (2.08 105)0.805 (0.701)0.333

We know that,
Nusselt Number NU =

13. Air at 30C, 0.2 m/s flows across a 120W electric bulb at 130C. Find heat transfer
and power lost due to convection if bulb diameter is 70 mm.
Given : Fluid temperature T = 30C
Velocity
U = 0.2 m/s
Heat energy
Q1 = 120 W
Surface temperature
Tw = 130C
Diameter
D = 70 mm = 0.070 m
To find:
1. Heat Transfer
2. Power lost due to convection
Solution:
1. Film temperature

We know
Nusselt Number Nu = 0.37 (Re)0.6
= 0.37 (663.82)0.6

Nu = 18.25
We know
Nusselt number

Heat transfer coefficient h = 7.94 W/m2K

We know
Heat transfer Q2 = h A (Tw - T)

2. % of heat lost =

14. Air at 40C flows over a tube with a velocity of 30 m/s. The tube surface
temperature is 120C. Calculate the heat transfer for the following cases.
1. Tube could be square with a side of 6 cm.
2. Tube is circular cylinder of diameter 6 cm
Given : Fluid temperature T = 40C
Velocity
U = 30 m/s
Tube surface temperature Tw = 120C
To find: Heat transfer coefficient (h)
Solution: We know

Case (i): Tube is considered as square of side 6 cm

i.e., L = 6cm = 0.06m
Reynolds number Re =

Case (ii)
Tube diameter D = 6cm = 0.06 m

so corresponding C and m values are 0.0266 and 0.805 respectively.

Formulae Used for Flow Over Bank of Tubes

1. Maximum velocity Umax =
Where Sn Transverse pitch, m.
2. Reynolds Number Re =
3. Nusselt Number, NU = 1.13 (Pr)0.33 [C Ren]
[From HMT data book, Page No.114]
15. 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 30C 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
90C. Calculate the heat transfer coefficient.
Given: Fluid temperature T = 30C
Velocity
U = 8 m/s
Longitudinal pitch, Sp = 22mm = 0.022 m
Transverse pitch, Sn = 20mm = 0.020 m
Diameter D
= 18mm = 0.018 m
Tube surface temperature Tw = 90C
Solution:

We know
Maximum velocity Umax =

We know

corresponding C, n values are 0.518 and 0.556 respectively.

[From HMT data book, Page No.114]
C = 0.518
n = 0.556
We know,
Nusselt Number Nu = 1.13 (Pr) 0.333[C (Re)n]
[From HMT data book, Page No.114]

We know
Nusselt Number

Heat transfer coefficient h = 428.6 W/m2K.

Formulae used for flow through Cylinders (Internal flow)
1. Bulk mean temperature
Tmi = Inlet temperature C,
Where
Tmo = Outlet temperature C.
2. Reynolds Number
If Reynolds number value is less than 2300, flow is laminar. If Reynolds number values
is greater than 2300, flow is turbulent.
3. Laminar Flow:
Nusselt Number NU 3.66
[From HMT data book, Page No.116]
4. Turbulent Flow (General Equation)
Nusselt Number Nu = 0.023 (Re)0.8 (Pr)n
n = 0.4 Heating process
n = 0.3 Cooling process
[From HMT data book, Page No.119]
This equation is valid for

0.6 < Pr < 160,

Re < 10000
For turbulent flow,
This equation is valid for

5. Equivalent diameter for rectangular section,

Where A Area, m2,

P Perimeter, m
L Length, m,
W Width, m.
6. Equivalent diameter for hollow cylinder

7. Heat transfer
Q = h A (Tw Tm) where A = p D L
(or)
Q = m Cp (Tmo Tmi)
Where Tw Tube wall temperature C,
Tm Mean temperature C.
Tmi Inlet temperature C
Tmo Outlet temperature C.
8. Mass flow rate
m - r A U Kg/s
Where r - Density, Kg/m3
A Area,
U Velocity, m/s
16. When 0.6 Kg of water per minute is passed through a tube of 2 cm diameter, it is
found to be heated from 20C to 60C. The heating is achieved by condensing steam
on the surface of the tube and subsequently the surface temperature of the tube is
maintained at 90C. Determine the length of the tube required for fully developed

flow.
Given : Mass m = 0.6 Kg/min =
= 0.01 Kg/s

To find: length of the tube (L)

Solution:
Bulk mean temperature

Let us first determine the type of flow

For laminar flow,

Nusselt number NU = 3.66
We know

17. Water at 50C 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 90C. Determine the heat
transfer coefficient and the total amount of heat transferred if exist water temperature
is 70C.
Given:
Inner temperature of water Tmi = 50C
Diameter
D = 50mm = 0.05 m
Length
L =4m
Velocity
U = 0.8 m/s
Total wall temperature
Tw = 90C

Exit temperature of water Tmo = 70C

To find:
1. Heat transfer coefficient (h)
2. Heat transfer (Q)
Solution:
Bulk mean temperature

Let us first determine the type of flow:

ratio is greater than 60. Re value is greater than 10,000 and Pr value is in between 0.6
and 160 so,
Nusselt number NU = 0.023 (Re)0.8 (Pr)n
[Inlet temperature 50C, Exit temperature 70C
Heating Process, So n = 0.4]

Heat transfer coefficient h = 4039.3 W/m2K

Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw Tm)

18. What flows through 0.8 cm diameter, 3m long tube at an average temperature of
40C. The flow velocity is 0.65 m/s and tube wall temperature is 140C. Calculate the
average heat transfer coefficient.
Given : Diameter of tube D
= 0.8 cm = 0.008 m
Length
L
=3m
Average temperature Tm = 40C
Velocity U
= 0.65 m/s
Tube wall temperature Tw = 140C

To find: Heat transfer coefficient (h)

ratio is in between 10 and 400, Re < 10000, so Nusselt Number Nu = 0.036 (Re)0.8 (Pr)0.33

We know
Nusselt number NU=

19. Air at 15C, 35 m/s, flows through a hollow cylinder of 4 cm inner diameter and 6
cm outer diameter and leaves at 45C. Tube wall is maintained at 60C. Calculate the
heat transfer coefficient between the air and the inner tube.
Given: Inner temperature of air Tmi = 15C
Velocity U
= 35 m/s
Inner diameter Di
= 4 cm = 0.04m
Outer diameter Do
= 6 cm = 0.06m
Exit temperature of air Tmo = 45C
Tube wall temperature Tw = 60C
To find: Heat transfer coefficient (h)
Solution: We know

Hydraulic of Equivalent diameter

Since Re > 2300, flow is turbulent

For turbulent flow, general equation is (Re > 10000)
Nu = 0.023 (Re)0.8 (Pr)n
This is heating process so, n = 0.4

20. Air at 30C, 6 m/s flows over a rectangular section of size 300 800 mm. Calculate
the heat leakage per meter length per unit temperature difference.
Given : Air temperature Tm = 30
C
Velocity U
= 6 m/s
Area A
= 300 800 mm2
A = 0.24 m2
To find:
1. Heat leakage per metre length per unit temperature difference.
Solution:

Equivalent diameter for 300 800 mm2 cross section is given by

We know
Since Re > 2300, flow is turbulent.
For turbulent flow general equation is (Re > 10000)
Nu = 0.023 (Re)0.8 (Pr)n
Assuming the pipe wall temperature to be higher than a temperature. So heating
process n = 0.4

We know
Heat transfer coefficient h = 18.09 W/m2K
Heat leakage per unit per length per unit temperature difference
Q=hP
=
Q = 39.79 W

21. Air at 333K, 1.5 bar pressure, flow through 12 cm diameter tube. The surface
temperature of the tube is maintained at 400K and mass flow rate is 75 kg/hr.
calculate the heat transfer rate for 1.5 m length of the tube.
Given : Air temperature Tm
Diameter D
Surface temperature Tw
Mass flow rate m
m = 0.020 Kg/s
Length L = 1.5 m

= 333 K = 60C
= 12 cm = 0.12 m
= 400 K = 127C
= 75 kg/hr =

To find:
1. Heat transfer rate (Q)
Solution:
Since the pressure is not much above atmospheric, physical properties of air may be
taken at atmospheric condition
We know

Since Re > 2300, so flow is turbulent

For turbulent flow, general equation is (Re>10000)
Nu = 32.9

22. 250 Kg/hr of air are cooled from 100C to 30C by flowing through a 3.5 cm inner
diameter pipe coil bent in to a helix of 0.6 m diameter. Calculate the value of air side
heat transfer coefficient if the properties of air at 65C are
K = 0.0298 W/mK
m = 0.003 Kg/hr m

Pr = 0.7
r = 1.044 Kg/m3
Given : Mass flow rate in = 205 kg/hr

Inlet temperature of air Tmi = 100C

Outlet temperature of air Tmo = 30C
Diameter D = 3.5 cm = 0.035 m
Mean temperature
To find: Heat transfer coefficient (h)
Solution:
Reynolds Number Re =
Kinematic viscosity

Since Re > 2300, flow is turbulent

For turbulent flow, general equation is (Re > 10000)

We know that,

Heat transfer coefficient h = 2266.2 W/m2K

23. In a long annulus (3.125 cm ID and 5 cm OD) the air is heated by maintaining the
temperature of the outer surface of inner tube at 50C. The air enters at 16C and
leaves at 32C. Its flow rate is 30 m/s. Estimate the heat transfer coefficient between
air and the inner tube.
Given : Inner diameter Di = 3.125 cm = 0.03125 m

Outer diameter Do = 5 cm = 0.05 m

Tube wall temperature Tw = 50C
Inner temperature of air Tmi = 16C
Outer temperature of air tmo = 32C
Flow rate U = 30 m/s
To find: Heat transfer coefficient (h)
Solution:
Mean temperature Tm =
We know,
Hydraulic or equivalent diameter
= 0.05 0.03125
Dh = 0.01875 m
Re = 35.3 10-6
Since Re > 2300, flow is turbulent
For turbulent flow, general equation is (Re > 10000)
Nu = 0.023 (Re)0.8 (Pr)n
This is heating process. So n = 0.4

24. Engine oil flows through a 50 mm diameter tube at an average temperature of

147C. The flow velocity is 80 cm/s. Calculate the average heat transfer coefficient if
the tube wall is maintained at a temperature of 200C and it is 2 m long.
Given : Diameter D = 50 mm
= 0.050 m
Average temperature Tm = 147C
Velocity
U
= 80 cm/s = 0.80 m/s
Tube wall temperature Tw = 200C
Length
L
= 2m
To find: Average heat transfer coefficient (h)

Solution : Properties of engine oil at 147C

We know
Since Re < 2300 flow is turbulent
For turbulent flow, (Re < 10000)

25. A system for heating water from an inlet temperature of 20C to an outlet
temperature of 40C involves passing the water through a 2.5cm diameter steel pipe.
The pipe surface temperature is maintained at 110C by condensing steam on its
surface. For a water mass flow rate of 0.5 kg/min, find the length of the tube desired.
Given : Inlet temperature Tmi = 20C
Outlet temperature Tmo = 40C
Diameter D = 2.5 cm = 0.025 m
Piper surface temperature Tw = 110C
Mass flow rate m = 0.5 Kg/min = 8.33 10-3 Kg/s
To find: Length of the tube (L)
Solution: We know
We know

For laminar flow,

Nusselt number Nu = 3.66

Heat transfer coefficient h = 89.3 W/m2K

Formulae used for free convection

1. Film temperature
where Tw Surface temperature in C
T - Fluid temperature in C
2. Coefficient of thermal expansion

3. Nusselt Number Nu =
Where h Heat transfer coefficient W/m2K
L Length, m
K Thermal conductivity, W/mK
4. Grashof number for vertical plate
5. If GrPr value is less than 10 9, flow is laminar. If GrPr value is greater than 10 9, flow is
turbulent.
i.e., GrPr > 109, Laminar flow
GrPr > 109, Turbulent flow
6. For laminar flow (Vertical plate):
Nusselt number Nu = 0.59 (GrPr)0.25
This expression is valid for,
104 < Gr Pr < 109
7. For turbulent flow (Vertical plate):
Nusselt Number Nu = 0.10 [Gr Pr]0.333
8. Heat transfer (vertical plate):
Q = h A (Tw - T)
9. Grashof number for horizontal plate:
Where Lc Characteristic length =
W Width of the plate.
10. For horizontal plate, upper surface heated,
Nusselt number Nu = 0.54 [Gr Pr]0.25

This expression is valid for

11. For horizontal plate, lower surface heated

Nusselt Number Nu = 0.27 [Gr Pr]0.25
This expression is valid for 105 < Gr Pr < 1011
12. Heat transfer (Horizontal plate)
Q = (hu + hj) A (Tw - T)
Where hu Upper surface heated, heat transfer coefficient W/m2 K
Hi Lower surface heated, heat transfer coefficient, W/m2K
13. For horizontal cylinder
Nusselt number Nu = C [Gr Pr]m
14. For horizontal cylinder,
Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw - T)
Where A - pDL
15.For sphere,
Nusselt number Nu = 2 + 0.43 [Gr Pr]0.25
Heat transfer Q = h A (Tw - T)
Where A - 4pr2
16. Boundary layer thickness

26. A vertical plate of 0.75 m height is at 170 C and is exposed to air at a temperature
of 105C and one atmosphere calculate:
1. Mean heat transfer coefficient,
2. Rate of heat transfer per unit width of the plate
Given :
Length L

= 0.75 m

Wall temperature Tw
Fluid temperature T

= 170C
= 105C

To find:
1. Heat transfer coefficient (h)
2. Heat transfer (Q) per unit width
Solution: Velocity (U) is not given. So this is natural convection type problem.
We know that

We know
Grahsof number Gr =

Since Gr Pr < 109, flow is laminar

Gr Pr value is in between 104 and 109 i.e., 104 < Gr Pr < 109
So, Nusselt Number
Nu = 0.59 (Gr Pr)0.25

We know
Nusselt number Nu =

Heat transfer coefficient h = 4.24 W/m2K

We know

27. A large vertical plate 4 m height is maintained at 606C and exposed to

atmospheric air at 106C. Calculate the heat transfer is the plate is 10 m wide.
Given :
Vertical plate length (or) Height L = 4 m
Wall temperature Tw = 606C
Air temperature T = 106C

Wide W

= 10 m

To find: Heat transfer (Q)

Solution:

Gr = 1.61 1011
Gr Pr = 1.61 1011 0.676
Gr Pr = 1.08 1011
Since Gr Pr > 109, flow is turbulent
For turbulent flow,
Nusselt number Nu = 0.10 [Gr Pr]0.333

We know that,
Nusselt number

Heat transfer coefficient h = 5.78 W/m2K

Heat transfer Q = h A DT

28. A thin 100 cm long and 10 cm wide horizontal plate is maintained at a uniform
temperature of 150C in a large tank full of water at 75C. Estimate the rate of heat to
be supplied to the plate to maintain constant plate temperature as heat is dissipated
from either side of plate.
Given :
Length of horizontal plate L = 100 cm = 1m
Wide W
= 10 cm = 0.10 m
Plate temperature Tw
= 150C
Fluid temperature T
= 75C

To find: Heat loss (Q) from either side of plate

Solution:

Lc = 0.05 m

Gr Pr = 5.29 109
Gr Pr value is in between 8 106 and 1011
i.e., 8 106 < Gr Pr < 1011
For horizontal plate, upper surface heated:
Nusselt number Nu = 0.15 (Gr Pr)0.333

We know that,

Upper surface heated, heat transfer coefficient hu = 3543.6 W/m2K

For horizontal plate, lower surface heated:
Nusselt number Nu = 0.27 [Gr Pr]0.25

Lower surface heated, heat transfer coefficient h1 = 994.6 W/m2K

Total heat transfer Q = (hu + h1) A DT
= (hu + h1) W L (Tw - T)
= (3543.6 + 994.6) 0.10 (150 75)
Q = 34036.5 W
29. A hot plate 20 cm in height and 60 cm wide is exposed to the ambient air at 30C.
Assuming the temperature of the plate is maintained at 110C. Find the beat loss

from both surface of the plate. Assume horizontal plate.

Given :
Height (or) Length of the Plate L
Wide W
Fluid temperature T
Plate surface temperature Tw

= 20 cm = 0.20 m
= 60 cm = 0.60 m
= 30C
= 110C

To find:
Heat loss from both the surface of the plate (Q)
Solution:

We know
Coefficient of thermal expansion}

We know

Gr Pr value is in between 8 106 and 1011

i.e., 8 106 < Gr Pr < 1011
For horizontal plate, Upper surface heated,
Nusselt number Nu = 0.15 (Gr Pr)0.333
Upper surface heated, heat transfer coefficient hu = 6.99 W/m2K
For horizontal plate, lower surface heated:
Nusselt number Nu = 0.27 (Gr Pr)0.25
= 0.277 [1.06 108]0.25

Nu = 28.15
We know that,

Lower surface heated, heat transfer coefficient h = 2.78 W/m2K

30. A vertical pipe 80 mm diameter and 2 m height is maintained at a consent

temperature of 120C. The pipe is surrounded by still atmospheric air at 30C. Find
heat loss by natural convection.
Given :
Vertical pipe diameter D
Height (or) Length L
Surface temperature Tw
Air temperature T
To find: Heat loss (Q)
Solution: We know

We know

For turbulent flow,

Nu = 0.10 [Gr Pr]0.333
= 0.10 [3.32 1010]0.333
Nu = 318.8
We know that,

= 80 mm = 0.080 m
=2m
= 120 C
= 30C