Homework help:Heat transfer coefficient of flow over a flat plate

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average heat transfer coefficient for a flat plate subjected to airflow. Participants explore various approaches to solve the problem, which involves concepts of fluid dynamics and heat transfer, including Reynolds analogy and Prandtl number considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an initial calculation for the average heat transfer coefficient, yielding a value of 14.39 W/m²K, but expresses uncertainty about the integration method used and the relevance of the drag force.
  • Another participant suggests using Reynolds analogy to relate the drag force to heat transfer, indicating a potential direction for the solution.
  • A subsequent reply indicates an attempt to apply Reynolds analogy, leading to a different calculation that results in an average heat transfer coefficient of 10.3 W/m²K, which the participant believes may be affected by the specific heat capacity value used.
  • One participant introduces a relationship involving the Stanton number and Prandtl number, noting that the Prandtl number was not included in earlier computations.
  • A later post corrects a misunderstanding regarding the application of the formula for Prandtl number equal to one and presents a revised calculation that approximates the average heat transfer coefficient to be 12.86 W/m²K.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct approach or final value for the average heat transfer coefficient, as multiple methods and calculations yield different results. The discussion reflects ongoing uncertainty and refinement of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their understanding of integration techniques and the application of specific formulas, indicating that assumptions made during calculations may affect the results. There is also a noted dependency on the accuracy of the properties of air used in the calculations.

Peridot
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
A 2-m x 3-m flat plate is suspended in a room, and is subjected to air flow parallel to its surfaces along its 3-m-long side. The free stream temperature and velocity of the air are 20oC and 7m/s. the total drag force acting on the plate is measured to be 0.86N. Determine the average heat transfer coefficient for the plate. Answer:h=12.7W/m2K
Properties of air at 300K(from my textbook
ρ=1.1763
c=1.007e03
μ=1.862e-05
v=1.5e-05
Pr=0.717
k=2.614e-02

Attempt at a solution
ReL=UL/v=7*3/1.5e-05=1.5e06 >5e05
xcr=(Recrv)/U=1.07

Nux,Laminar=0.332Pr1/3Rex1/2
Nux,Turbulent=(0.0296Re0.8Pr)/(1+2.11Rex-0.1(Pr-1))

Avg heat coeff
=(1/L){0xcrhx, Laminardx + xcr3hx, Turbulentdx}
= (1/L){0xcrNux, Laminar(k/x)dx + xcr3Nux, Turbulent(k/x)dx}
= ...
=14.39


I did approximate 1+2.11Rex-0.1(Pr-1) to be equal to 1 in my working because I didn't know how to integrate it. Is that acceptable? And I don't know how to use the drag force provided in this question. :x

I've been pondering over this question for a few days and I still can't get the answer please help check if my approach is correct. Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: The problem states the force on the plate. That implies they want you to approach it from a Reynold's Analogy standpoint.
 
Thanks, I'll give it a shot again.
 
LawrenceC said:
Hint: The problem states the force on the plate. That implies they want you to approach it from a Reynold's Analogy standpoint.

Okay thanks for the hint once again. I tried again using Reynold's Analogy.

qx/(ρcu(T-Tw))=τwx/(ρu2)hx/c=τwx/(u)

τwx = (hxu)/(c)

AτwxdA = 0.86

A(hxu)/(c)dA = 0.86

(u/c)∫AhxdA = 0.86

(u/c)∫AhxdA = 0.86

AhxdA = (0.86c)/u

avg h
= (1/A)∫AhxdA
= (1/A) (0.86c)/u

Is this approach correct now? I subbed in the values of A=12, c = 1.007e03 and u=7 but the answer I got is 10.3 instead of the given 12.7.
I think the difference might be attributed to the value of c.

Thanks in advance
 
I started off with the basic relationship:

St*Pr^2/3 = Cf/2

I don't see the Prndtl number anywhere in your computations.
 
LawrenceC said:
I started off with the basic relationship:

St*Pr^2/3 = Cf/2

I don't see the Prndtl number anywhere in your computations.

Oops, I misread my notes, the formula I used earlier was only for Pr=1 >.<

I did as you told me and I got the answer.(at least reasonably close to it) ^^ Thanks a lot!(Sorry if I annoyed you with a lot of stupid mistakes and questions)
Here is my working if anyone is interested.

Stx = Nux/(RexPr) = hx/cpU

StxPr2/3= Cfx/2=тwx/(pU2)

(hx/cpU)Pr2/3= тwx(pU2)

hx = (c/U)(Pr-2/3wx

AhxdA = (c/U)(Pr-2/3AтwxdA

Avg heat coeff
=(1/A)∫AhxdA
=(1/A)(c/U)(Pr-2/3AтwxdA

sub A=12, c=1.007e03, U=7, Pr=0.717, ∫AтwxdA = 0.86

Avg heat coeff=12.86
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K