The Nusselt number (Nu) quantifies the ratio of convective heat transfer to conductive heat transfer in fluid mechanics and heat transfer applications. At the onset of convection, the Nusselt number equals 1, indicating that heat transfer is purely conductive when fluid velocity approaches zero. This relationship is mathematically expressed as Nu = Qconvection/Qconduction, highlighting that conduction serves as the limiting case of convection. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing heat transfer mechanisms in various engineering applications.
PREREQUISITESEngineers, researchers, and students in mechanical engineering, particularly those focusing on fluid dynamics and thermal analysis, will benefit from this discussion on the Nusselt number and its significance in heat transfer processes.