Convection Heat Transfer

Convection Heat Transfer

Convection:
• Heat transfer between a solid surface and adjacent liquid or gas in
motion
• Involves combined effect of Conduction and fluid motion
• Presence of bulk motion of the fluid enhances the heat transfer
between the slid surface and the fluid

The convection heat transfer mode is comprised of two mechanisms

• energy transfer due to random molecular motion(diffusion)
• by the bulk, or macroscopic, motion of the fluid
• the total heat transfer is then due to a superposition of energy
transport by the random motion of the molecules and by the
bulk motion of the fluid
Thus the CONVECTION is customarily used when there is
cumulative transport, and the term ADVECTION refers to
transport due to bulk fluid motion.
Boundary layer development in convection heat transfer

* hydrodynamic or velocity
* thermal boundary layer
The contribution due to random molecular motion
(diffusion) dominates near the surface where the fluid
velocity is low.

The contribution due to bulk fluid motion is outside the

boundary layer.
Classification of convection heat transfer
• Classified according to the nature of the flow
(a) forced convection

(b) free(or natural) convection

(c) mixed(combined) forced and natural

convection
Here sensible, or internal thermal, energy of the fluid is transferred.
• Classified according to latent heat exchange
(a) Boiling and
(b) condensation.

Latent heat exchange is generally associated with a phase change

between the liquid and vapor states of the fluid
The Convection Boundary Layers
The Velocity Boundary Layer

• Consider flow over the flat plate

• Assume that the particle velocity is zero at the wall
• These particles retard the motion of particles in the adjoining fluid
layer until, at a distance y = δ from the surface, the effect becomes
negligible
• The quantity δ is termed the boundary layer thickness (velocity
boundary layer), and it is typically defined as the value of y for
which U =0.99U∞ .
• This retardation of fluid motion is associated with shear stresses τ,
and hence to surface frictional effects.
local friction coefficient
Assuming a Newtonian fluid

2 s u
Cf  where  s  
U 2 y y 0

where μ is a fluid property known as the dynamic viscosity.

The Thermal Boundary Layer

Thermal boundary layer development on an isothermal flat plate.

a thermal boundary layer must develop if the fluid free stream and
surface temperatures differ.
The thermal boundary layer,
and its thickness δt is typically
defined as the value of y for
which the ratio
[(Ts-T)/(Ts-T∞)]=0.99.
Typical values of the convection heat transfer coefficient
Process H, (W/m2 K)
Free convection
Gases 2-25
Liquids 50-1000
Forced convection
Gases 25-250
Liquids 100-20,000
Convection with phase change
Boiling or condensation 2500-250,000

Regardless of the nature of the convection heat transfer process, the

appropriate rate equation is of the form

Qconvection  hA(Ts  T ) (W )
This expression is known as Newton’’s law of cooling
Dimensionless Parameters

1. Nusselt number Nu
h (hL)
Nu  
k / L  k
relates the convective heat transfer coefficient to the conduction in
the fluid
. .
T
qconv  hT and qcond k
L
Taking ratio
.
q conv hT hL
.
   Nu
q cond k T L k
2. Prandtl number Pr,
which is a fluid property parameter:
Molecular diffusivity of momentum  Cp
Pr =  
Molecular diffusivity of heat  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 quickly in liquid

metals (Pr «1) and very slowly in oils
(Pr »1) relative to momentum.
Consequently the thermal boundary layer is much thicker for liquid
metals and much thinner for oils relative to the velocity boundary
layer.
4. Reynolds number Re,
which relates the momentum in the flow to the viscous dissipation:

Inertia forces VLc VLc

Re=  
Viscous  

At large Reynolds numbers the flow is turbulent and at small

Reynolds numbers the flow is laminar.

Critical Reynolds number: The Reynolds number at which the flow

becomes turbulent.

Generally accepted value of the critical Reynolds number is 5 x 10 5

Analysis of Heat Transfer Problems:
Methodology
1. Known
2. Find
3. Schematic
4. Assumptions
5. Properties
6. Analysis
Begin your analysis by applying appropriate conservation laws, and
introduce rate equations as needed. Develop the analysis as completely as
possible before substituting numerical values. Perform the calculations
needed to obtain the desired results.
7. Comments
At any distance x from the leading edge, the local surface heat flux may
be obtained by applying Fourier’s law to the fluid at y=0.

At the surface, there is no fluid motion and energy transfer occurs only
by conduction
T
The local surface heat flux= q"x  k f
y y 0

From Newton's law of cooling, q"s  hA(Ts  T )

 k f (T y ) y 0
h=
(Ts  T )

It follows that q” and h decrease with increasing x.

Significance of the Boundary Layers
• For flow over any surface, there will always exist a velocity
boundary layer and hence surface friction
• a thermal boundary layer, and hence convection heat transfer, will
always exist if the surface and free stream temperatures differ
• The velocity boundary layer is of extent δ(x) and is characterized by
the presence of velocity gradients and shear stresses
• The thermal boundary layer is of extent δt(x) and is characterized by
temperature gradients and heat transfer
• Situations can arise in which all three boundary layers are present.
In such cases, the boundary layers rarely grow at the same rate, and
the values of δ, δt, and δc at a given location are not the same
• For the engineer, the principal manifestations of the three boundary
layers are, respectively, surface friction coefficient, Cf, convection
heat transfer coeficient, h, and convection mass transfer coefficient
hm.
Local and Average Convection Coefficients
A fluid of velocity V and temperature T∞ flows
over a surface of arbitrary shape and of area As.
The surface is presumed to be at a uniform
temperature, Ts, and if Ts ≠T∞, we know that
convection heat transfer will occur.
The surface heat flux and convection heat transfer coefficient both vary
along the surface.
The total heat transfer rate, q   q " dAs = (Ts  T )  hdAs
As As
If ̅h is average convective coefficient for the entire surface,
The total heat transfer rate, q  h As (Ts  T )
1
where h 
As  hdAs
As
 For the special case of flow over a flat plate h
varies only with the distance x from the leading
edge .
L
1
h   hdx
L0
The Problem of Convection
Determination of these coefficients is viewed as the problem of
convection. However, the problem is not a simple one, for in addition
to depending on numerous fluid properties such as density, viscosity,
thermal conductivity, and specific heat, the coefficients depend on the
surface geometry and the flow conditions.
Laminar and Turbulent Velocity Boundary Layers

The critical Reynolds number, Rex,c

Comparison of laminar and turbulent velocity boundary layer profiles
for the same free stream velocity.

Variation of velocity boundary layer

thickness δand the local heat transfer
coefficient h for flow over an
isothermal flat plate.
Laminar and Turbulent Velocity Boundary Layers

Thermal boundary layer development on a flat plate showing changes

in fluid temperature profiles and local convection coefficient in the
laminar and turbulent flow regions.
Forced Convection: Important Correlations
* Thickness of Hydrodynamic Boundary Layer, δ
 5

x (Re x )

* Thickness of δ (in terms of displacement thickness δ*)

* 1.73 * 1
 or 
x (Re x ) x 3

* Thickness of δ (in terms of momentum thickness θ)

 0.66  1
 or 
x (Re x ) x 7
Friction Coefficient (Cf)
It is the ratio of Shear stress  at the plate to the dynamic head
(1/2)ρU∞2 caused by free stream velocity.

( y x ) y 0 0.664
The local skin friction coefficient (C f ) x  2  (Re )
(1 / 2) U  x

1L
The average value skin friction coefficient (C )   (C ) x
f L0 f
1.328 ( )avg
  0
(Re) (  / 2)U 2

C U 2
f
The Drag force on the plate FD   0 x Area  Area
2
Forced Convection: Important Correlations
(t  ts )
* Thickness of Thermal Boundary Layer, δt    0.99
(t  ts )
Case 1: For Pr =1
Pohlhausen Relation
t 5  
  t 
x (Re x ) x (Pr)1/3
Case 2: For Pr < 1
t 5 
 
x (Re x ) x

Case 3: For Pr > 1

t 5 
 
x (Re x ) x
Forced Convection: Important Correlations
* Approximate Thickness of Hydrodynamic Boundary Layer, δ
 4.64

x (Re x )
0.664
The local skin friction coefficient (C f ) x 
(Re x )
1L
The average value skin friction coefficient (C )   (C ) x
f L0 f
1.292

(Re L )
Mass Flow Through Boundary Layer

mx    udy  (5 / 8) U   
0
* Approximate Thickness of Thermal Boundary Layer, δt

a) If δ begins growing at x = 0 and unheated starting length with

wall temperature at t0 for x ≥ x0 then δt=0 at x = x0, then
3/4 1/3
t 1   x0  
 1    
 1.026 Pr   x  
3

b) If the entire plate is heated, x0= 0

t 1 0.9746
 
 1.026 3 Pr 3
Pr
The Boundary Layer Equations
The velocity boundary layer results from the difference between the
free stream velocity and the zero velocity at the wall.

The thermal boundary layer results from a difference between the free
stream and surface temperatures

The objective is to examine the differential equations that govern the

velocity and temperature fields that are applicable to boundary layer
flow with heat transfer
Boundary Layer Equations for Laminar Flow
Motion of a fluid in which there are coexisting velocity, temperature,
and concentration gradients must comply with several fundamental
laws of nature.

In particular, at each point in the fluid, conservation of mass, energy,

and chemical species, as well as Newton's second law of motion, must
be satisfied.

Development of the velocity, thermal, and concentration boundary layers for an

arbitrary surface.
Derivation of Differential Convection Equations
Assume
(i) the flow to be steady and two-dimensional, and
(ii) the fluid to be Newtonian with constant properties (density,
viscosity, thermal conductivity, etc.).

Consider the parallel flow of a fluid

over a surface.

The flow direction along the

surface to be x and the direction
normal to the surface to be y.

Let’s choose a differential volume

element of length dx, height dy, and
unit depth in the z-direction
(normal to the paper) for analysis.
Apply three fundamental laws to this fluid element
to obtain the continuity, momentum, and energy
equations for laminar flow in boundary layers.

Conservation of Mass Equation

In steady flow, the amount of mass within the control volume remains
constant,
 Rate of mass flow   Rate of mass flow 
 into the control volume    out of the control volume 
   
The rate at which fluid enters the control volume from the left
surface is ρu(dy.1) i.e in x-direction
The rate at which the fluid leaves the control volume from the right
surface is given as
 u 
  u  dx  ( dy.1)
 x 
The rate at which fluid enters the control volume
from the left surface is ρv(dx.1) i.e in y-direction

The rate at which the fluid leaves the control

volume from the upper surface is given as
 v 
  v  dy  (dx.1)
 y 
 u   u 
 u(dy.1)   v (dx.1)    u  dx  (dy.1)    u  dx  (dy.1)
 x   x 
Simplifying and dividing by (dx. dy .1) gives u v
 0
x y

This is the conservation of mass relation, also known as the

continuity equation, or mass balance for steady two-dimensional
flow of a fluid with constant density.
Continuity Equation

Conservation Equations of Mass, Momentum and energy for Laminar

Flow over a plate.

dx  v 
U∞   v  dy 
 y 

dy  u 
u  dx 
ρu  x 
Surface of flat plate dy

dx
A control volume (dx.dy.1) x, y 
within the boundary layer &
ρv
assuming that the steady state
condition prevails.
 Assumptions
1. Flow is steady, incompressible, two dimensional and laminar
2. The fluid has constant viscosity, thermal conductivity and specific
heat.
3. As thermal boundary layer is thin there is negligible heat
conduction in the direction of flow.
4. Viscous dissipation in the y-direction is negligible.
5. There are no pressure gradient in x & y direction. Momentum
boundary layer is very thin.
6. The kinetic energy in the y-direction is neglected.(as v <<<u)
7. Pr  0.5. Thus this analysis is applicable to most gases & liquids

8. t « 
Let ρ be the mass density at particular instant
u, v, w = component of velocity of fluid w. r. t to three faces.

The rate of mass flow in and out the CV in x-direction

M ' x  (  u ) dy dz and M "x   u 


x
(  u ) dx dy dz 
Net mass accumulated per unit time in x, y and z direction,
' "   v 
Mx  Mx   (  u )dx dy dz   v 
 y
dy 

x
 u 
' "  ρu
u 
 x
dx 

My  My   (  v ) dx dy dz dy
y
dx
' "  x, y 
Mz  Mz   (  w ) dx dy dz
z ρv
Net rate of mass accumulation in CV



 
( u) 

(  v) 
 
(  w ) dx dy dz
(  dx dy dz)

t
x y z 

   
( u)  (  v)  (  w)   0
x y z t


  div  V  0
t
This is the continuity equation
 
For Steady State 0 Hence div  V  0
t
For incompressible fluid, div V  0

i.e.
u v w
  0
x y z
For a two-dimensional flow,

u v
 0
x y
For steady flow, this law states that the net rate at which mass enters a
control volume(inflow-outflow) is equal to zero.
By expanding the continuity equation

  div  V  0
t

   
 ( u )  ( v)  (  w)  0
t x y z

or

 
 
u v w    
  u v w  0
t  x y z  x y z
  
u ,v etc denote component of convective rate of
x y
change of density.


denote local rate of change of density
t

D    
  u v w
Dt t x y z
D
Where  total substantial rate of change of density
Dt
The continuity equation may be written as,
D 
 
u v w 
   0
Dt  x y z 
D
    divV
Dt
If the velocity u = u(x, y, z, t) then the acceleration of the fluid
particle is
Du u x u y u z u
   
Dt x t y t z t t
u u u u
 u v  w 
x y z
    
t
convectivedifferential localdifferential
Correlations: Estimating Convection Coefficients

1.The Nusselt number, which represents the dimensionless

temperature gradient at the surface and provides a measure of the
convection coefficient.

2. The Reynolds number, ReL, is the ratio of the inertia to viscous

forces, and is used to characterize boundary layer flows

3.The Prandtl number, Pr, is a transport property of the fluid and

provides a measure of the relative effectiveness of momentum and
energy transport in the hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layers,
respectively
Important Dimensionless Groups in Convection Heat Transfer

For a laminar boundary layer,

n is a positive constant, typically n=1/3

Hence for a gas, δt≈δ and for oil δt<<δ .

However, for all fluids in the turbulent region, because of extensive
mixing, we expect δt≈δ.
Empirical correlations
• the most general correlation for forced convection external flow
over flat plates and other immersed geometries

Nu x  C Re mx Pr n
where C, m and n are independent of the fluid, but dependent upon
the surface geometry and flow condition (laminar vs. turbulent).

In free convection, the boundary layer flow is induced by thermally

driven buoyancy forces arising from a difference between the
surface temperature Ts and the adjoining fluid temperature T∞. The
flow is characterized by the Grashof number, which is the ratio of
the buoyancy to viscous forces
Forced Convection
External Flow

The Flat Plate in Parallel Flow

In the absence of upstream disturbances,

laminar boundary layer development
begins at the leading edge (x= 0), and
transition to turbulence may occur at a
downstream location (xc) for which the
critical Reynolds number is
5
Re x ,c  5 x10
Laminar Flow
δ increases with x, and
1  5 x Re x 1/2 decreases with increasing u∞

hx x
Nu x   0.332 Re0.5
x Pr 0.33
kf
2
0.6 ≤ Pr ≤ 50


3  Pr1/3
t
1/2 x
1 x k  1/3  u  dx definite integral has the value
4 hx   hx dx  0.332  f  Pr   
x 0  x    0
x 2x0.5 and hx  2hx
For flow is laminar over the
5 Nu L  0.664 Re0.5
x Pr 0.33
entire surface
0.6 ≤ Pr ≤ 50
Turbulent Flow

1   0.37 x Re x 1/2 Re ≤ 108

hx x
Nu x   0.0.0296 Re0.8
x Pr 0.33
kf
2
Rex ≤ 108, 0.6 ≤ Pr ≤ 50
Summary:
Comparing the results for the turbulent and laminar boundary layers,
important differences should be noted:
• For laminar flow, the hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer
thicknesses depend on the Prandtl number, the dimensionless
number representing the ratio of the momentum, and thermal
diffusivities
Laminar δ ≈ δtPr0.33
• For turbulent flow, the boundary layer development is strongly
influenced by random velocity and less so by molecular motion.
Hence, relative boundary layer growth does not depend on the
Prandtl number. That is, the hydrodynamic and thermal boundary
thicknesses are nearly equal.
Turbulent δ ≈ δt
• Thermal boundary layer growth is more rapid in the flow direction
for turbulent flow than for laminar flow
Laminar δt ~ x0.5 and Turbulent δt ~ x0.8
• The convection coefficient for turbulent flow is larger than for
laminar flow due to enhanced mixing in the boundary layer. For
turbulent flow, the decrease in the convection coefficient in the flow
direction is more gradual than for laminar flow,

Laminar hx~ x0.5 and

Turbulent hx~ x0.2

Mixed Boundary Layer Conditions
The turbulent boundary layer is generally preceded by a laminar
boundary layer, hence first consider mixed flow conditions.
• if transition occurs toward the trailing edge of the plate, in the range
0.95 ≤ (xc/L) ≤ 1
laminar flow equation can be used.
• when transition occurs sufficiently upstream of the trailing edge,
(xc/L) ≤ 0.95,
the surface average coefficient will be influenced by conditions in
both the laminar and turbulent boundary layers.
• In the mixed boundary layer situation, the average convection
coefficient for the entire plate.

1  xc L 
hL    hlam dx   htur dx 
L 0 
 x c 
NuL  0.664 Re0.5
 x ,c  0.037 Re L
0.8
 Re 0.8 
x ,c  Pr 
0.33


NuL  0.037 Re0.8
L  A Pr 
0.33

0.8 0.5
A 0.037 Re x ,c  0.664 Re x ,c
for a representative transition Reynolds number of Rex,c = 5x 105

NuL   0.8
0.037 Re L  871  Pr 0.33 0.6  Pr  60
 5

8
5x10  Re L  10 
 5 
Re
 x ,c  5x10 
with use turbulence promoters (turbulators), A = 0
0.8 0.33 0.6  Pr  60
NuL  0.037 Re L Pr  Re  0 
 x ,c 
Summary of Convection Heat Transfer Correlations for External Flow
Correlation Selection Rules.
• Identify the flow surface geometry.
• Specify the appropriate reference temperature and evaluate the
pertinent fluid properties at that temperature.
For moderate boundary layer temperature differences, use the mean
film temperature, Tf.
• Calculate the Reynolds number.
• If the geometry is the flat plate in parallel flow, determine whether
the flow is laminar, turbulent, or mixed.
• Decide whether a local or surface average coefficient is required.
• Select the appropriate correlation.
Internal flow
Velocity and Temperature distribution in the entrance region
Velocity distribution in the entrance region

Langhar relation for “Entrance Length" (laminar) Le

 0.575Re
D
  r 2 
The velocity distribution for fully developed flow : u = u max 1    
 R 
November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 50
Internal flow
Temperature distribution in the entrance region

November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 51

 Heat Transfer in Tube

Case 1: Uniform Heat Flux

Nu = 4.36
Case 2: Constant Wall Temperature
a) Slug Flow

Nu = 5.78
b) Fully Developed Flow

Nu = 3.65

Nu = hb = 3.75 where b is the distance between two planes

k
November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 52
Heat Transfer in Turbulent Flow
For Flat Plate

a )   0.37
x 5 Re x
w 0.0576
b) Cf x  
0.5 U 
2
5 Re
x

c) Cf  0.072
5 7
valid for the range 5x10  Re L  10
5 Re
x

November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 53

Combination of Laminar and Turbulent flow
The drag force for such a case is F= Fl +Ft

1.328 xc  U 2
Fl   
 (Rec )  2
Ft  Ftotal ,turb  Fturb , xc

 0.4555 L 0.072   U
2
 2.58
 0.2 


 (log10 Re L ) (Re c )  2
1.328 xc  U
2
F   0.4555 L2.58  0.0720.2  

 (Rec ) (log10 Re L ) (Rec )  2

November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 54

 Rec xc
But 
Re L L
1.328 (Rec ) 0.455 0.072(Re ) 0.8 
U 2
F    2.58
 c
 

 Re L (log10 Re L ) Re L  2

C U 2
f 
F   0 x Area  Area
2
 0.455 B 
 Cf   2.58
 
 (log10 Re L ) Re L 

Rec 105 5 x 105 106

B 360 1670 3300
November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 55
Heat Transfer Parameters for Turbulent Flow
The Local Heat Transfer Coefficient
k
hx  0.0288 (Pr)1/3 (Re)0.8
x
The Average Heat Transfer Coefficient
k
h  0.036 (Pr)1/3 (Re) 4/5
L
Heat Transfer Coefficient for Combined Laminar & Turbulent Flow
hcomb  hlam  hturb
 k (Pr)1/3 [0.036(Re)0.8  836]
L

November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 56

Heat Transfer in Turbulent Flow
The fully developed laminar flow becomes unstable when ReD2000.
The turbulent regime takes over when ReD >2300.
The friction factor ‘f ’:
f  0.316 (Re) 0.25 for 2 x104  Re  8 x104
 0.184 (Re) 0.2 for 104  Re  105
0.3 4 6
 0.005  0.396 (Re) for 2 x10  Re  2 x10

Wall shear Stress

 w  ( f 8) U max
2
 C f U max
2

November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 57

 The Average Heat Transfer Coefficient

k
h  0.023 (Pr)1/3 (Re) 4/5
D

This expression is valid for

* L/D > 60

* 1 x 10^4< Re< 1 x 10^5

* 0.5 < Pr <100

November 24, 2023 ME 312, Heat Transfer/Convection 58

Internal Flow

(a) The hydrodynamic boundary layer and velocity

profiles.
(c) Velocity and temperature profiles for determining
the mean (average) temperature at a location x.

(b) The thermal boundary layer and temperature profiles for surface thermal condition: constant
temperature, Ts,
Convection Correlations for Tubes: Fully Developed
Region
Laminar Flow

Constant surface temperature

hD
NuD   3.66
kf
Uniform surface heat flux and laminar, fully developed conditions

hD
NuD   4.36
kf