Assignment – Introduction to Convection

[1] In flow over a surface, velocity and temperature profiles are of the forms:

where the coefficients A through G are constants. Obtain expressions for the friction coefficient
Cƒ and the convection coefficient h in terms of 𝑢∞ , 𝑇∞ , and appropriate profile coefficients and
fluid properties.

[2] Parallel flow of atmospheric air over a flat plate of length L= 3 m is disrupted by an array of
stationary rods placed in the flow path over the plate.

Laboratory measurements of the local convection coefficient at the surface of the plate are made
for a prescribed value of V and 𝑇𝑠 > 𝑇∞ . The results are correlated by an expression of the form
ℎ𝑥 = 0.7 + 13.6𝑥 − 3.4 𝑥 2 , where hx has units of W/m • K and x is in meters. Evaluate the
̅̅̅𝐿 the entire plate and the ratio ℎ
average convection coefficient ℎ ̅̅̅𝐿 /ℎ𝐿 at the trailing edge.

[3] To a good approximation, the dynamic viscosity µ, the thermal conductivity k, and the specific
heat cp are independent of pressure. In what manner do the kinematic viscosity 𝜈 and thermal
diffusivity 𝛼 vary with pressure for an incompressible liquid and an ideal gas? Determine 𝛼 of air
at 350 K for pressures of 1, 5, and 10 atm. Assuming a transition Reynolds number of 5 x 105,
determine the distance from the leading edge of a flat plate at which transition will occur for air at
350 K at pressures of 1, 5, and 10 atm with 𝑢∞ =2 m/s.

[4] If laminar flow is induced at the surface of a disk due to rotation about its axis, the local
convection coefficient is known to be a constant, h = C, independent of radius. Consider
conditions for which a disk of radius ro = 100 mm is rotating in stagnant air at 𝑇∞ = 20°C and a
value of C = 20 W/m2 • K is maintained. If an embedded electric heater maintains a surface
temperature of Ts = 50°C, what is the local heat flux at the surface of the disk? What is the total
electric power requirement? What can you say about the nature of boundary layer development
on the disk?
[5] Experiments have shown that, for airflow at 𝑇∞ = 35°C and V1=100 m/s, the rate of heat transfer
from a turbine blade of characteristic length L1 = 0.15 m and surface temperature Ts,1 = 300°C is
q1= 1500 W. What would be the heat transfer rate from a second turbine blade of characteristic
length L2= 0.3 m operating at Ts,2 =400°C in airflow of 𝑇∞ = 35°C and V2 = 50 m/s? The surface
area of the blade may be assumed to be directly proportional to its characteristic length.

[6] On a summer day the air temperature is 27°C and the relative humidity is 30%. Water evaporates
from the surface of a lake at a rate of 0.10 kg/h per square meter of water surface area. The
temperature of the water is also 27°C. Determine the value of the convection mass transfer
coefficient.

[7] It is observed that a 230-mm-diameter pan of water at 23°C has a mass loss rate of 1.5 x 105 kg/s
when the ambient air is dry and at 23°C.
(a) Determine the convection mass transfer coefficient for this situation.
(b) Estimate the evaporation mass loss rate when the ambient air has a relative humidity of 50%.
(c) Estimate the evaporation mass loss rate when the water and ambient air temperatures are
47°C, assuming that the convection mass transfer coefficient remains unchanged, and the ambient
air is dry.