Calculating Local Heat Flux in a Pipe: Is h = Nu*(k/x) the Correct Formula?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The correct formula for calculating the local heat flux in a pipe is h = Nu*(k/d), where h is the local heat transfer coefficient, Nu is the Nusselt number, k is the thermal conductivity, and d is the diameter of the pipe. The local heat flux is then determined using q = h(T(x)-T2), where T(x) is the temperature at distance x along the pipe and T2 is the temperature of the fluid. It is crucial to use the diameter as the characteristic length for the Nusselt number calculation, as the temperature driving force varies along the pipe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Nusselt number calculations
  • Knowledge of heat transfer principles
  • Familiarity with thermal conductivity concepts
  • Experience with fluid dynamics, specifically turbulent flow
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the Nusselt number in heat transfer
  • Learn about calculating local heat transfer coefficients in various geometries
  • Explore the impact of temperature gradients on heat flux in fluid systems
  • Investigate advanced heat transfer techniques for turbulent flow in pipes
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, thermal system designers, and students studying heat transfer in fluid dynamics will benefit from this discussion.

evoke1l1
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
I am a little unsure how to get started with a homework question.

Essentially, I have to calculate the local heat flux at a distance 1.2m (x) along a pipe. I have the fluid's properties and have calculated the Reynolds number, for which I've determined the flow to be turbulent and therefore do not see to consider the distance as part of the Nusselt number calculation. From here, I know how to calculate the average heat flux per unit length, but I am unsure how to calculate the local heat flux for a pipe.

If I determine the Nusselt number, would the local heat transfer coefficient calculation be h = Nu*(k/x) for determining the local heat flux? Where h is the local heat transfer coefficient, Nu is the Nusselt number, k is thermal conductivity and x is the distance along the pipe. I could then plug these values into q = h(T1-T2) for the local heat flux. Would this be correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No. The characteristic length for the Nussult number in this situation is the diameter. But, the temperature driving force is changing along the pipe. You need to use the local temperature difference at x, T(x)-T2 to calculate the local heat flux.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: evoke1l1
Chestermiller said:
No. The characteristic length for the Nussult number in this situation is the diameter. But, the temperature driving force is changing along the pipe. You need to use the local temperature difference at x, T(x)-T2 to calculate the local heat flux.

Thank you for this. T(x) is already specified in the question with a uniform temperature for the pipe surface so I have the two temperatures to plug in, so in my instance, would the below be correct or have I misunderstood?

h = Nu*(k/d) and q = h(T(x)-T2)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K