MEEN 4131 Convection Heat Transfer Measurement: Cross Flow Over a Cylinder Spring 2021

Experiment 1 Cross Flow around a Cylinder

Note: Please note the units of the quantities which are being measured, when recording data. For example,
when measuring watt, if the wattage meter reads 16 W, then write down 16 W instead of just 16.

1. Equipment
The figure below shows a picture of convective heat transfer test rig.
1. Digital Temperature Display: T-Type Thermocouple: Accuracy of 1.5˚C and ±2 LSD (Least
Significant Digit)
2. Surface Probes: type T thermocouple
3. Air Probe: type T subminiature thermocouple
4. Pitot Tube: Differential Pressure Gauge: an accuracy of 4% full scale
5. Dial Height Gauge: A precision instrument with graduations of 0.001 in. (0.0254 mm)
6. Wattmeter: a full-scale accuracy of 2%. three ranges -150, –300, –600 watts

Figure 1 Test Setup

2. Test Specimen

Diameter

Length

Figure 2 Test Section

3. Test Procedure
(This is the full step with bullets. You need to make concise several paragraphs for
experimental procedures)
CAUTION: Your safety is the first. Do it safely all the times.
A. Pre-Test Procedures
1. Check that the main power is off.
2. Turn the temperature control knob fully counterclockwise.
3. Turn the fine temperature adjust knobs fully counterclockwise.
4. Turn the fan speed control switch off.
5. Turn the fan speed adjust knob fully counterclockwise.
6. Turn the test section select switch to off (mid position).
7. Check that the power cord is plugged into a grounded wall outlet (127V/1/60Hz).
B. Specimen Selection and Mounting Arrangements
1. The 3/8" diameter cylinder is used for this experiment.
2. Attach the specimen to the mounting stand. (Mount the specimen to the bottom mounting
plate.)
3. Connect the banana plugs to the correct socket receptacles.
4. Lock the fan into a position that will direct the air over the specimen.
5. Place the Lexan tunnel over the assembly. Tighten down the thumb screws.
7. Place the pitot tube and adjust the pitot tube so that the sensor tip is at the midpoint of tunnel.
8. Attach the air tubes to the pitot tube.
9. Mount the dial height gauge assembly adjacent to the specimen. Tighten down the wing nuts.
10. Plug the thermocouple probes into the thermocouple jacks on the front of the panel.
C. Start-Up Procedures
CAUTION: DO NOT leave the heaters tuned on with the surface temperature more than
200°F
CAUTION: Heaters get extremely hot. Be very careful when handling them. Make sure
there is enough cool down time between tests.
1. Turn on the main AC power (the pilot light should be on).
2. Turn the test section selection switch to the position coinciding with the specimen set-up
(bottom).
4. Turn the range switch on the wattmeter to the 150W range.
MEEN 4131 Convection Heat Transfer Measurement: Cross Flow Over a Cylinder Spring 2021

5. Turn on the fan and increase the air flow through the tunnel. Check the deflection of the air
meter to ensure that it has a positive movement. If it does not, switch the tube attachments to
the Pitot tube.
6. Turn off the fan.
7. Record the room temperature with the thermocouple air probe before heating it up.
8. Pre-heat the test specimen to the desired temperature. To do this, turn the temperature
control knob clockwise.
D. Test Procedures
1. Record all relevant data as shown in Tables 1-1.
2. Turn on the heater without blowing fan and keep controlling a heater to get temperature
between 180°F -190°F. Make it steady state condition for 5 minutes and then record your data.
3. For each test, experiments should be performed at a constant surface temperature
between 180°F -190°F at 90°.
4. Match the fan speed to 1500 fpm, you can find that the heater surface temperature will drop.
Monitor to obtain a constant surface temperature at 90° between 180°F -190°F, you need
to increase wattage rating. If the surface temperature is more than 195°F, reduce the wattage
rating. You always need to monitor the surface temperature of the heater all the times, so that
the surface temperature of heater is not exceeding 200°F.
Then, decrease the air speed and repeat the above procedures.
5. Repeats step 4 for the air velocities of 1250 fpm, 1000 fpm, 750 fpm and 500 fpm.
6. In case of getting a constant surface temperature between 180°F -190°F, find a steady state
temperature for the speed and write down the temperatures at other locations.

4. Test Results
Your cylinder dimensions
D: (mm)
L: (mm)
Table 1 Results

Temperature (˚F)
Heater Fan Ambient Air Location Location Location Location
Watt (W)
Type Velocity Temp. Temp. A (45°) B (90°) C (135°) D (180°)
Cylinder 1500 fpm
Cylinder 1250 fpm
Cylinder 1000 fpm
Cylinder 750 fpm
Cylinder 500 fpm

YOU NEED TO GET THE LAB INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE BEFORE LEAVING.

_____________________________ _______________
(Lab assistant’s signature) Date