Estimate heat transfer coefficient

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on calculating the heat transfer coefficient (h) using a nichrome wire heated by a 3-volt battery. The user applies the formula ΔT = PRsurf, where ΔT is the temperature difference between the nichrome and air, P is the power calculated as P = VI, and Rsurf is the thermal resistance defined as Rsurf = 1/hA. The area (A) of the nichrome wire is determined using the formula A = π x D x length. The setup and calculations presented are valid for estimating the heat transfer coefficient.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal resistance and heat transfer principles
  • Familiarity with electrical power calculations (P = VI)
  • Knowledge of geometry for calculating the surface area of cylindrical objects
  • Basic experience with experimental setups for thermal measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for improving accuracy in measuring temperature differences
  • Explore advanced heat transfer coefficient calculation techniques
  • Learn about the effects of ambient conditions on heat transfer
  • Investigate the use of thermocouples for precise temperature measurement
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for engineers, physicists, and students involved in thermal analysis, as well as anyone interested in experimental methods for calculating heat transfer coefficients.

totoykabute
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i prepared a setup wherein i heat a nichrome wire with 3 volts battery, measure its power, the temperature of the nichrome and the temperature of air.. by using the formula

ΔT=PRsurf

where

ΔT=Tnichrome - Tair

P=VI

Rsurf=1/hA,

R is, basically, the thermal resistance to heat from the copper surface to the surrounding air

A is the area of nichrome wire...pi x D x length

h is the heat transfer coefficient you are looking for and the only unknown...

i calculated the heat transfer coefficient..

.. i got that formula from a post somewhere here in PF..

now tell me.. is my setup right to calculate the h.. or is something wrong with the formula?
 
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Your analysis seems sound.
 

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