Sulaimani Polytechnic University Subject: General Physics
Technical College of Engineering Stage: 1st
Department: Petroleum & Energy Eng Semester: 1st
Sulaimani Polytechnic University
Technical College of Engineering
Petroleum & Energy Engineering Department
LAB REPORT NO 3
General Physics (Lab)
PE111
Semester: (Fall, Year:2024 - 2025
Lab Experiment Title: _ _ _Heat
____transfer
_ _ _ _ _ by
_ _ Convection
______________
Student Details:
Name ID
1. Rezhwan Shahab
Lab Date: 2024 - 2025
Submission Date: 2024 - 2025
Course Teacher’s Name: Tozhar and Sakar
Lab Report Status
Marks: ………………………………… Signature:.....................
Comments:.............................................. Date:..............................
Sulaimani Polytechnic University Page 1 https://spu.edu.iq/ku/
Sulaimani Polytechnic University Subject: General Physics
Engineering Technical College Stage: 1st
Department: Petroleum & Energy Eng Semester: 1st
Heat Transfer
by convection (WL 352)
2024 - 2025
By: Rezhwan Shahab
Course Teacher’s Name: Tozhar and Sakar
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definitions and Principles of Convection
3. Mechanisms of Convective Heat Transfer
4. Types of Convection: Natural and Forced
5. Factors Affecting Convective Heat Transfer
6. Applications of Convective Heat Transfer
7. Calculating Convective Heat Transfer Rates
8. Importance of Convection in Engineering and Science
9. References
Page 2
Introduction
Heat Transfer by Convection
This document provides a comprehensive overview of convective heat transfer, exploring its
fundamental principles, mechanisms, types, and practical applications in various fields of
engineering and science.
by Rezhwan Shahab
Page 3
Definitions and Principles of Convection
Convection is a process of heat transfer that occurs through the movement of fluids, such as liquids or
gases. It involves the transfer of heat energy from one part of a fluid to another by the actual movement of
the fluid itself. This movement can be driven by natural buoyancy forces or by external means such as fans or
pumps. Convective heat transfer is a complex phenomenon that involves both heat conduction and fluid
mechanics.
The fundamental principle behind convection is the transfer of heat from a hotter region to a cooler region
within a fluid due to the movement of the fluid molecules. As the fluid molecules move, they carry their
thermal energy with them, leading to heat transfer. The rate of heat transfer by convection depends on
various factors, including the temperature difference between the hot and cold regions, the properties of
the fluid, the velocity of the fluid, and the geometry of the system.
Page 4
Mechanisms of Convective Heat Transfer
Convective heat transfer occurs through two primary mechanisms:
Forced convection: In forced convection, the fluid motion is driven by an external force, such as a pump,
fan, or wind. This type of convection is often observed in situations where the fluid is forced to move
over a heated surface, such as in air conditioning systems or industrial processes.
Natural convection: Natural convection occurs due to buoyancy forces arising from temperature
differences within the fluid. As a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises, while cooler, denser
fluid sinks to take its place. This natural circulation of the fluid leads to heat transfer.
In many practical applications, both forced and natural convection mechanisms can occur simultaneously,
contributing to the overall heat transfer process. The relative contribution of each mechanism depends on
factors such as the temperature difference, the fluid properties, and the geometry of the system.
Page 5
Types of Convection: Natural and Forced
Convection can be classified into two main types:
Natural convection: Natural convection is driven by buoyancy forces. It occurs when a fluid is heated
from below or cooled from above, creating a density difference that drives the fluid motion. Examples
of natural convection include the heating of air by a hot radiator or the cooling of a hot cup of coffee.
Forced convection: In forced convection, the fluid motion is induced by external means, such as a fan,
pump, or wind. This type of convection is used in many engineering applications, such as in heat
exchangers, air conditioners, and industrial ovens.
The type of convection that occurs in a particular situation depends on the specific conditions, such as the
temperature difference, the fluid properties, and the geometry of the system.
Page 6
Factors Affecting Convective Heat Transfer
Several factors can affect the rate of convective heat transfer. These include:
Temperature difference: The larger the temperature difference between the hot and cold regions, the
faster the rate of heat transfer.
Fluid properties: The properties of the fluid, such as its density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and
specific heat, can significantly influence the rate of heat transfer.
Fluid velocity: The velocity of the fluid also affects the rate of heat transfer. Higher velocities generally
lead to higher heat transfer rates.
Surface area: The larger the surface area in contact with the fluid, the greater the rate of heat transfer.
Geometry of the system: The geometry of the system, such as the shape and size of the surfaces
involved, can also affect the rate of heat transfer.
Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for accurately predicting and controlling convective
heat transfer rates in various applications.
Page 7
Applications of Convective Heat Transfer
Convection plays a critical role in numerous engineering and scientific applications, including:
Heating and cooling systems: Convection is the primary mechanism of heat transfer in many heating
and cooling systems, such as radiators, air conditioners, and refrigerators.
Industrial processes: Convective heat transfer is used in various industrial processes, such as drying,
baking, and heat treatment.
Meteorology: Convection is a fundamental process in meteorology, driving the formation of clouds,
thunderstorms, and other weather phenomena.
Biology: Convection plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature in animals, including humans.
Electronics cooling: Convection is used to cool electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones,
and servers, to prevent overheating.
The versatility of convection makes it an indispensable process in many fields, enabling efficient energy
transfer and control in various systems.
Page 8
Calculating Convective Heat Transfer Rates
The rate of heat transfer by convection can be calculated using the following equation:
Q = hAΔT
Where:
Q is the heat transfer rate (in watts or BTU/hour).
h is the convective heat transfer coefficient (in watts per square meter per degree Celsius or BTU per
hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit).
A is the surface area in contact with the fluid (in square meters or square feet).
ΔT is the temperature difference between the surface and the fluid (in degrees Celsius or degrees
Fahrenheit).
The convective heat transfer coefficient (h) depends on the fluid properties, velocity, and the geometry of
the system. Its value is typically determined experimentally or using empirical correlations.
Page 9
Importance of Convection in Engineering and
Science
Convection is a fundamental process in engineering and science, playing a significant role in various
applications, including:
Design of heat exchangers: Convection is a key factor in the design of heat exchangers, which are used
to transfer heat between different fluids.
Energy efficiency: Understanding and optimizing convective heat transfer is crucial for improving the
energy efficiency of buildings, vehicles, and industrial processes.
Weather forecasting: Convection is a fundamental process in weather forecasting, driving the formation
of clouds, thunderstorms, and other weather phenomena.
Climate modeling: Convection is also important in climate modeling, as it influences the distribution of
heat in the atmosphere and oceans.
Biological processes: Convection plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature in animals,
including humans.
Convection's influence on various aspects of engineering, science, and the natural world underscores its
importance in our understanding and control of heat transfer processes.
Page 10
WL 352/ Free and Forced Convection Unit
Learning Objectives / Experiments
- free and forced convection
- heat transfer at different surfaces: flat
plate, pipe, bundle, fins
- temperature distribution in the heat
exchanger
- determination of the Reynolds and Nusselt
numbers
- calculation of:
* heat transfer coefficient
* Clearly laid out experimental unit for the
* efficiency
determination of heat transfer.
* heat transfer rate
* Data acquisition using electronic sensors.
* Heat transfer surfaces that can be changed.
Technical Description:
* Comprehensive description of the
This experimental unit is designed for free and forced
experiments.
convection. Air is fed through a duct and heated at heater
elements with different shaped surfaces. Three
interchangeable heater elements are provided. A fan can be
switched on for experiments on forced convection. The
temperature and air velocity are measured using sensors. The
measured values can be read on digital displays. At the same
time, the measured values can also be transmitted directly to
a PC via USB. The data acquisition software is included.
1 temperature sensor, 2 air duct,
3 thermocouple type K, 4 display and control
unit, 5 "flat plate" heating element, 6 "finned"
heating element, 7 flow sensor, 8 "pipe bundle"
heating element, 9 measuring glands for
thermocouple
Page 11
References
1. Incropera, F. P., DeWitt, D. P., Bergman, T. L., & Lavine, A. S. (2011). Fundamentals of heat and mass
transfer. John Wiley & Sons.
2. Cengel, Y. A., & Ghajar, A. J. (2014). Heat and mass transfer: Fundamentals & applications. McGraw-Hill
Education.
3. Holman, J. P. (2010). Heat transfer. McGraw-Hill Education. 4. Bejan, A. (2013). Convection heat transfer.
John Wiley & Sons.
5. https://tangkasanugerah.com/uploads/source/GUNT/WL-352.pdf
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