Chapter 9 Natural Convection

Review Problems
9-94E A small cylindrical resistor mounted on the lower part of a vertical circuit board. The approximate
surface temperature of the resistor is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3 The
local atmospheric pressure is 1 atm. 4 Radiation effects are negligible. 5 Heat transfer through the
connecting wires is negligible.
Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the anticipated film
temperature of (Ts+T)/2 = (220+120)/2 = 170F are (Table A-15E)
k 0.01692 Btu/h.ft.F

Air
T = 120F

Resistor
0.1 W
D = 0.2 in

0.222 10 3 ft 2 /s
Pr 0.7161
1
1

0.001587 R -1
Tf
(170 460) R

Analysis The solution of this problem requires a trial-and-error approach since the determination of the
Rayleigh number and thus the Nusselt number depends on the surface temperature which is unknown. We
start the solution process by guessing the surface temperature to be 220 F for the evaluation of the
properties and h. We will check the accuracy of this guess later and repeat the calculations if necessary.
The characteristic length in this case is the diameter of resistor, Lc D 0.2 in. Then,

Ra

g (Ts T ) D 3

Pr

(32.2 ft/s 2 )(0.001587 R -1 )(220 120 R )(0.2 / 12 ft ) 3

(0.222 10 3 ft 2 /s ) 2

0.387 Ra 1 / 6

Nu 0.6

1 0.559 / Pr 9 / 16

8 / 27

0.387(343.8)1 / 6

0 .6

1 0.559 / 0.7161 9 / 16

8 / 27

(0.7161) 343.8

2.105

k
0.01692 Btu/h.ft.F
Nu
(2.105) 2.138 Btu/h.ft 2 .F
D
0.2 / 12 ft
As DL 2 D 2 / 4 (0.2 / 12 ft )(0.3 / 12 ft ) 2 (0.2 / 12 ft) 2 / 4 0.00175 ft 2
h

and

Q hAs (Ts T )

T s T

Q
(0.1 3.412) Btu/h
120F
211.5F
hAs
(2.138 Btu/h.ft 2 .F)(0.00175 ft 2 )

which is sufficiently close to the assumed temperature for the evaluation of properties. Therefore, there is
no need to repeat calculations.

9-84

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-95 An ice chest filled with ice at 0C is exposed to ambient air. The time it will take for the ice in the
chest to melt completely is to be determined for natural and forced convection cases.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3 Heat
transfer from the base of the ice chest is disregarded. 4 Radiation effects are negligible. 5 Heat transfer
coefficient is the same for all surfaces considered. 6 The local atmospheric pressure is 1 atm.
Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the anticipated film
temperature of (Ts+T)/2 = (15+20)/2 = 17.5C are (Table A-15)

Air
T = 20C

k 0.02495 W/m.C
Ice chest,
0C

1.493 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7316

30 cm

1
1

0.003442 K -1
Tf
(17.5 273) K

Q
3 cm

Analysis The solution of this problem requires a trial-and-error approach since the determination of the
Rayleigh number and thus the Nusselt number depends on the surface temperature which is unknown. We
start the solution process by guessing the surface temperature to be 15C for the evaluation of the
properties and h. We will check the accuracy of this guess later and repeat the calculations if necessary.
The characteristic length for the side surfaces is the height of the chest, Lc = L = 0.3 m Then,

Ra

g (T Ts ) L3

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003442 K -1 )( 20 15 K )(0.3 m ) 3

(1.493 10

Nu 0.825

0.492
1

Pr

m /s )

(0.7316 ) 1.495 10 7

0.825

8 / 27

0.387 Ra 1 / 6
9 / 16

0.387(1.495 10 7 ) 1 / 6

0.492
1

0.7316

35.15

8 / 27

9 / 16

k
0.02495 W/m.C
Nu
(35.15) 2.923 W/m 2 .C
L
0.3 m

The heat transfer coefficient at the top surface can be determined similarly. However, the top surface
constitutes only about one-fourth of the heat transfer area, and thus we can use the heat transfer coefficient
for the side surfaces for the top surface also for simplicity. The heat transfer surface area is

As 4(0.3 m )(0.4 m ) (0.4 m )(0.4 m ) 0.64 m 2

Then the rate of heat transfer becomes

T T s ,i
R wall Rconv ,o

T T s ,i
( 20 0)C

10.23 W
L
1
0.03 m
1

kAs hAs
(0.033 W/m.C)(0.64 m 2 ) (2.923 W/m 2 .C)(0.64 m 2 )

The outer surface temperature of the ice chest is determined from Newtons law of cooling to be

10.4 W
hA (T T ) T T Q 20C
Q
14.53C
s

s
s

hAs
(2.923 W/m 2 .C)(0.64 m 2 )
which is almost identical to the assumed value of 15C used in the evaluation of properties and h.
Therefore, there is no need to repeat the calculations. Then the rate at which the ice will melt becomes

9-85

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

Q
10.23 10 3 kJ/s
hif m

Q m

3.066 10 5 kg/s
hif
333.7 kJ/kg
Therefore, the melting of the ice in the chest completely will take
30 kg
m
t t
mm

9.786 10 5 s 271.8 h 11.3 days

5

m 3.066 10 kg/s
(b) The temperature drop across the styrofoam will be much greater in this case than that across thermal
boundary layer on the surface. Thus we assume outer surface temperature of the styrofoam to be 19 C .
Radiation heat transfer will be neglected. The properties of air at 1 atm and the film temperature of
(Ts+T)/2 = (19+20)/2 = 19.5C are (Table A-15)
k 0.0251 W/m.C

1.512 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7311

1
1

0.00342 K -1
Tf
(19.5 273) K

The characteristic length in this case is the width of the chest, Lc = W =0.4 m. Then,

Re

VW
(50 1000 / 3600 m/s)(0.4 m )

367,538

1.512 10 5 m 2 /s

which is less than critical Reynolds number ( 5 105 ). Therefore the flow is laminar, and the Nusselt
number is determined from

Nu
h

hW
0.664 Re 0.5 Pr 1 / 3 0.664(367,538) 0.5 (0.7311) 1 / 3 362.6
k

k
0.0251 W/m.C
Nu
(362.6 ) 22.76 W/m 2 .C
W
0. 4 m

Then the rate of heat transfer becomes

T T s ,i
R wall Rconv ,o

T T s ,i
(20 0)C

13.43 W
L
1
0.03 m
1

kAs hAs
(0.033 W/m.C)(0.64 m 2 ) (22.76 W/m 2 .C)(0.64 m 2 )

The outer surface temperature of the ice chest is determined from Newtons law of cooling to be

13.43 W
hA (T T ) T T Q 20C
Q
19.1C
s

s
s

hAs
(22.76 W/m 2 .C)(0.64 m 2 )
which is almost identical to the assumed value of 19C used in the evaluation of properties and h.
Therefore, there is no need to repeat the calculations. Then the rate at which the ice will melt becomes
Q
13.43 10 3 kJ/s
hif m

Q m

4.025 10 5 kg/s
hif
333.7 kJ/kg
Therefore, the melting of the ice in the chest completely will take

m m t t

m
30

7.454 10 5 s 207.05 h 8.6 days

5

m 4.025 10

9-96 An electronic box is cooled internally by a fan blowing air into the enclosure. The fraction of the heat
lost from the outer surfaces of the electronic box is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3 Heat
transfer from the base surface is disregarded. 4 The pressure of air inside the enclosure is 1 atm.

9-86

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the film temperature of
(Ts+T)/2 = (32+15)/2 = 28.5C are (Table A-15)
k 0.02577 W/m.C

Air
T =25C

1.594 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7286
1
1

0.003317 K -1
Tf
( 28.5 273) K

15 cm

180 W
= 0.85
Ts = 32C

Analysis Heat loss from the horizontal top surface:

The characteristic length in this case is Lc

Ra

g (Ts T ) L3c

Pr

50 cm

50 cm

As
(0.5 m ) 2

0.125 m . Then,
p 2[(0.5 m ) (0.5 m )]

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003317 K -1 )(32 25 K )(0.125 m ) 3

(1.594 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

(0.7286 ) 1.275 10 6

Nu 0.54 Ra1 / 4 0.54(1.275 106 )1 / 4 18.15

k
0.02577 W/m.C
Nu
(18.15) 3.741 W/m 2 .C
Lc
0.125 m

Atop (0.5 m ) 2 0.25 m 2

and

2
2

Q
top hAtop (T s T ) (3.741 W/m .C )(0.25 m )(32 25)C 6.55 W

Heat loss from vertical side surfaces:

The characteristic length in this case is the height of the box Lc = L =0.15 m. Then,

Ra

g (T s T ) L3

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003317 K -1 )(32 25 K )(0.15 m ) 3

Nu 0.825

0.492
1

Pr

8 / 27

9 / 16

0.387 Ra 1 / 6

(0.7286 ) 2.204 10 6

(1.594 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

0.825

0.387( 2.204 10 7 ) 1 / 6

0.492
1

0.7286

20.55

8 / 27

9 / 16

k
0.02577 W/m.C
Nu
(20.55) 3.530 W/m 2 .C
L
0.15 m
4(0.15 m )(0.5 m ) 0.3 m 2

h
Aside
and

2
2

Q
side hAside (T s T ) (3.530 W/m .C )(0.3 m )(32 25)C 7.41 W

The radiation heat loss is

Q rad As (Ts 4 T surr 4 )

(0.85)(0.25 0.3 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 )[(32 273 K ) 4 (25 273 K ) 4 ] 20.34 W
Then the fraction of the heat loss from the outer surfaces of the box is determined to be

(6.55 7.41 20.34 ) W

0.1906 19.1%
180 W

9-87

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-97 A spherical tank made of stainless steel is used to store iced water. The rate of heat transfer to the
iced water and the amount of ice that melts during a 24-h period are to be determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3 Thermal
resistance of the tank is negligible. 4 The local atmospheric pressure is 1 atm.
Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the film temperature of
(Ts+T)/2 = (0+20)/2 = 10C are (Table A-15)
k 0.02439 W/m.C

1.426 10

Ts = 0C

T = 20C

m /s
Iced water
Di = 6 m

Pr 0.7336

1
1

0.003534 K -1
Tf
(10 273) K

1.5 cm

0C

Analysis (a) The characteristic length in this case is Lc = Do = 6.03 m. Then,

Ra

g (T Ts ) Do3

Nu 2

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003534 K -1 )(20 0 K )(6.03 m ) 3

(1.426 10

0.589 Ra 1 / 4

1 0.469 / Pr

9 / 16 4 / 9

m /s )

0.589(5.485 1011 )1 / 4

1 0.469 / 0.7336

9 / 16 4 / 9

(0.7336 ) 5.485 10 11

394.5

k
0.02439 W/m.C
Nu
(394.5) 1.596 W/m 2 .C
Do
6.03 m

As Do2 (6.03 m) 2 114 .2 m 2

and

hA (T T ) (1.596 W/m 2 .C )(114 .2 m 2 )(20 0)C 3646 W

Q
s

s
Heat transfer by radiation and the total rate of heat transfer are

Q rad As (Ts 4 Tsurr 4 )

(1)(114 .2 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 )[(20 273 K ) 4 (0 273 K ) 4 ] 11,759 W
Q total 3646 11,759 15,404 W 15.4 kW
(b) The total amount of heat transfer during a 24-hour period is
t (15.4 kJ/s )(24 h/day 3600 s/h ) 1.331 10 6 kJ/day
QQ

Then the amount of ice that melts during this period becomes
Q mhif m

Q
1.331 10 6 kJ

3988 kg
hif
333.7 kJ/kg

9-88

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-98 A double-pane window consisting of two layers of glass separated by an air space is considered. The
rate of heat transfer through the window and the temperature of its inner surface are to be determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3
Radiation effects are negligible. 4 The pressure of air inside the enclosure is 1 atm.
Properties We expect the average temperature of the air gap to be roughly the average of the indoor and
outdoor temperatures, and evaluate The properties of air at 1 atm and the average temperature of
(T1+T2)/2 = (20 +0)/2 = 10C are (Table A-15)
Air

k 0.02439 W/m.C

1.426 10

m /s

Pr 0.7336

20C

1
1

0.003534 K -1
Tf
(10 273) K

0C
L = 3 cm

Analysis We guess the temperature difference across the air gap to be

15C = 15 K for use in the Ra relation. The characteristic length in this
case is the air gap thickness, Lc = L = 0.03 m. Then,

Ra

g (T1 T2 ) L3

Pr

H = 1.2 m

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003534 K -1 )(15 K )(0.03 m ) 3

(1.426 10

m /s )

(0.7336 ) 5.065 10 4

Then the Nusselt number and the heat transfer coefficient are determined to be

Nu 0.42 Ra 1 / 4 Pr 0.012

hair

0.3

1.2 m

0.03 m

0.42(5.065 10 4 ) 1 / 4 (0.7336) 0.012

0.3

k
0.02439 W/m.C
Nu
( 2.076 ) 1.688 W/m 2 .C
L
0.03 m

Then the rate of heat transfer through this double pane window is determined to be

As H W (1.2 m)( 2 m) 2.4 m 2

T ,i T ,o
Rconv ,i Rcond , glasses R conv,air Rconv ,o

T T s , i
2t glass
1
1
1

hi As k glass As hair As ho As

20 0
2(0.003)
1
1
1

(10)(2.4 ) (0.78)(2.4 ) (1.688)(2.4 ) (25)(2.4 )

65 W

Check: The temperature drop across the air gap is determined from

65 W
hA T T Q
Q
16.0C
s
hAs
(1.688 W/m 2 .C)(2.4 m 2 )
which is very close to the assumed value of 15C used in the evaluation of the Ra number.

9-89

2.076

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-99 An electric resistance space heater filled with oil is placed against a wall. The power rating of the
heater and the time it will take for the heater to reach steady operation when it is first turned on are to be
determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3 Heat
transfer from the back, bottom, and top surfaces are disregarded. 4 The local atmospheric pressure is 1
Air
atm.

T =25C

Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the film temperature of

(Ts+T)/2 = (45+25)/2 = 35C are (Table A-15)
k 0.02625 W/m.C

50 cm

1.655 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7268
1
1

0.003247 K -1
Tf
(35 273)K

= 0.8
Ts = 45C

80 cm

15 cm

Analysis Heat transfer from the top and bottom surfaces are said to be negligible, and thus the heat
transfer area in this case consists of the three exposed side surfaces. The characteristic length is the height
of the box, Lc = L = 0.5 m. Then,

Ra

g (T s T ) L3

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003247 K -1 )(45 25 K )(0.5 m ) 3

(1.655 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

Nu 0.825

0.492
1

Pr

8 / 27

0.387 Ra 1 / 6
9 / 16

(0.7268) 2.114 10 8

0.825

0.387 ( 2.114 10 8 ) 1 / 6

0.492
1

0.7268

76.68

8 / 27

9 / 16

k
0.02625 W/m.C
Nu
(76.68) 4.026 W/m 2 .C
L
0.5 m
As (0.5 m )(0.8 m ) 2(0.15 m )(0.5 m ) 0.55 m 2
h

and

hA (T T ) ( 4.026 W/m 2 .C )(0.55 m 2 )(45 25)C 44.3 W

Q
s
s

The radiation heat loss is

Q rad As (Ts 4 Tsurr 4 ) (0.8)(0.55 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 )[(45 273 K ) 4 (25 273 K ) 4 ] 58.4 W
Then the total rate of heat transfer, thus the power rating of the heater becomes

Q
total 44.3 58.4 102.7 W

The specific heat of the oil at the average temperature of the oil is 1943 J/kg. C. Then the amount of heat
transfer needed to raise the temperature of the oil to the steady operating temperature and the time it takes
become
Q mC p (T 2 T1 ) ( 45 kg )(1943 J/kg.C)( 45 25)C 1.749 10 6 J

Q Q t

Q 1.749 10 6 kJ

17,034 s 4.73 h
100 J/s
Q

which is not practical. Therefore, the surface temperature of the heater must be allowed to be higher than
45C.

9-90

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-100 A horizontal skylight made of a single layer of glass on the roof of a house is considered. The rate of
heat loss through the skylight is to be determined for two cases.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3 The
local atmospheric pressure is 1 atm.
Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the anticipated film
temperature of (Ts+T)/2 = (-4-10)/2 = -7C are (Table A-15)
k 0.0231 W/m.C

Skylight

2.5 m 1 m
= 0.9

1.278 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.738

Outdoors
T = -10C
Tsky = -30C

t = 0.5 cm

1
1

0.003759 K -1
Tf
( 7 273)K

Tin = 20C

Analysis We assume radiation heat transfer inside the house to be negligible. We start the calculations by
guessing the glass temperature to be 4C for the evaluation of the properties and h. We will check the
accuracy of this guess later and repeat the calculations if necessary. The characteristic length in this case is
determined from Lc

Ra

As
(1 m)(2.5 m)

0.357 m . Then,
p
2(1 m + 2.5 m)

g (T1 T2 ) L3c

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003759 K -1 )[4 ( 10) K )(0.357 m ) 3

(1.278 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

(0.738) 4.553 10 7

Nu 0.15 Ra1 / 3 0.15( 4.553 107 )1 / 3 53.56

ho

k
0.0231 W/m.C
Nu
(53.56 ) 3.465 W/m 2 .C
Lc
0.357 m

As (1 m )(2.5 m ) 2.5 m 2
Using the assumed value of glass temperature, the radiation heat transfer coefficient is determined to be

h rad (T s T sky )(T s 2 Tsky 2 )

0.9(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 )[(4 273) ( 30 273)][(4 273) 2 (30 273) 2 ]K 3
3.433 W/m 2 .K
Then the combined convection and radiation heat transfer coefficient outside becomes
ho ,combined ho h rad 3.465 3.433 6.898 W/m 2

Again we take the glass temperature to be -4C for the evaluation of the properties and h for the inner
surface of the skylight. The properties of air at 1 atm and the film temperature of Tf = (-4+20)/2 = 8C are
(Table A-15)
k 0.02424 W/m.C

1.409 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7342
1
1

0.003559 K -1
Tf
(8 273)K
The characteristic length in this case is also 0.357 m. Then,

9-91

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

Ra

g (T1 T2 ) L3c

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003559 K -1 )[20 (4) K )(0.357 m ) 3

(1.409 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

(0.7342) 1.412 10 8

Nu 0.27 Ra 1 / 4 0.27(1.412 10 8 ) 1 / 4 29.43

hi

k
0.02424 W/m.C
Nu
( 29.43) 1.998 W/m 2 .C
Lc
0.357 m

Using the thermal resistance network, the rate of heat loss through the skylight is determined to be

Q skylight

T s ,i T ,o
R conv,i Rcond , glas R combined ,o
As (Troom Tout )
(2.5 m 2 )[20 (10)]C

115 W
1
0.005 m
1
1 t glass 1

1.998 W/m 2 .C 0.78 W/m.C 6.898 W/m 2 .C

hi k glass h

Using the same heat transfer coefficients for simplicity, the rate of heat loss through the roof in the case of
R-5.34 construction is determined to be

Q roof

Ts ,i T,o
Rconv ,i Rcond Rcombined ,o
As (Troom Tout )
( 2.5 m 2 )[20 ( 10)]C

5.36 W
1
1
1
1
2
R glass
5.34 m .C/W
hi
h
1.998 W/m 2 .C
6.898 W/m 2 .C

Therefore, a house loses 115/5.36 21 times more heat through the skylights than it does through an
insulated wall of the same size.
Using Newtons law of cooling, the glass temperature corresponding to a heat transfer rate of 115
W is calculated to be 3.3C, which is sufficiently close to the assumed value of -4C. Therefore, there is
no need to repeat the calculations.

9-92

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-101 A solar collector consists of a horizontal copper tube enclosed in a concentric thin glass tube. Water
is heated in the tube, and the annular space between the copper and glass tube is filled with air. The rate of
heat loss from the collector by natural convection is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal gas with constant properties. 3
Radiation effects are negligible. 3 The pressure of air in the enclosure is 1 atm.
Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the average temperature
of (Ti+To)/2 = (60+32)/2 = 46C are (Table A-15)

Glass cover
To = 32C

k 0.02706 W/m.C
1.759 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7239

Do =9 cm

1
1

0.003135 K -1
Tf
(46 273) K

Air space
Di =5 cm, Ti = 60C

Analysis The characteristic length in this case is the distance

between the two cylinders ,

Lc

Do Di (9 5) cm

2 cm
2
2

and,

Ra

g (Ti To ) L3c

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003135 K -1 )(60 32 K )(0.02 m ) 3

(1.759 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

(0.7239) 16,106

The effective thermal conductivity is

4

Fcyl

4
Do
0.09 m
ln

ln
0.05 m
Di

Lc ( Di 3 / 5 Do 3 / 5 ) 5 (0.02 m) 3 (0.05 m) -7/5 (0.09 m) -7/5

Pr

0.861 Pr

k eff 0.386k

0.1303

1/ 4

( Fcyl Ra ) 1 / 4

0.7239

0.861 0.7239

0.386(0.02706 W/m.C)

1/ 4

(0.1303)(16,106) 1 / 4

Then the heat loss from the collector per meter length of the tube becomes

2k eff
2 (0.05812 W/m.C)
Q
(Ti To )
(60 32)C 17.4 W
Do
0.09 m
ln

ln

0.05 m
Di

9-93

0.05812 W/m.C

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

9-102 A solar collector consists of a horizontal tube enclosed in a concentric thin glass tube is considered.
The pump circulating the water fails. The temperature of the aluminum tube when equilibrium is
established is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist. 2 Air is an ideal
gas with constant properties. 3 The local atmospheric pressure is 1
atm.
Properties The properties of air at 1 atm and the anticipated film
temperature of (Ts+T)/2 = (33+30)/2 = 31.5C are (Table A-15)

20 W/m
Air
T = 30C

=1

k 0.02599 W/m.C

1.622 10

Do =7 cm

m /s

Air space

Pr 0.7278
1
1

0.003284 K -1
Tf
(31.5 273) K

Di =4 cm, = 1

Analysis This problem involves heat transfer from the aluminum tube to the glass cover, and from the
outer surface of the glass cover to the surrounding ambient air. When steady operation is reached, these
two heat transfers will be equal to the rate of heat gain. That is,
Q tube glass Q glass ambient Q solar gain 20 W (per meter length)
Now we assume the surface temperature of the glass cover to be 33C. We will check this assumption later
on, and repeat calculations with a better assumption, if necessary.
The characteristic length for the outer diameter of the glass cover Lc = Do =0.07 m. Then,

Ra

g (Ts T ) D o3

Pr

0.387 Ra 1 / 6

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003284 K -1 )(33 30 K )(0.07 m ) 3

Nu 0.6

1 0.559 / Pr 9 / 16

(1.622 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2
2

8 / 27

0.387(91,679)1 / 6

0.6

1 0.559 / 0.7278 9 / 16

8 / 27

(0.7278) 91,679

7.626

As Do L (0.07 m )(1 m) 0.2199 m 2

k
0.02599 W/m.C
Nu
(7.626 ) 2.832 W/m 2 .C
Do
0.07 m

and,
2
2

Q
conv hAs (T s T ) ( 2.832 W/m .C )(0.2199 m )(T glass 30)C

The radiation heat loss is

Q rad As (Ts 4 Tsurr 4 ) (1)(0.2199 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 ) (T glass 273 K ) 4 (20 273 K ) 4
The expression for the total rate of heat transfer is

Q total Q conv Q rad

20 W = ( 2.832 W/m 2 .C)(0.2199 m 2 )(T glass 30)C

(1)(0.2199 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 ) (T glass 273 K ) 4 ( 20 273 K ) 4

Its solution is T glass 33.34C , which is sufficiently close to the assumed value of 33C.

9-94

Chapter 9 Natural Convection

Now we will calculate heat transfer through the air layer between aluminum tube and glass cover. We will
assume the aluminum tube temperature to be 45C and evaluate properties at the average temperature of
(Ti+To)/2 = (45+33.34)/2 = 39.17C are (Table A-15)
k 0.02656 W/m.C

1.694 10 5 m 2 /s
Pr 0.7257

1
1

0.003203 K -1
Tf
(39.17 273) K

The characteristic length in this case is the distance between the two cylinders,

Lc ( Do Di ) / 2 (7 4 ) / 2 cm 1.5 cm
Then,

Ra

g (T1 T2 ) L3c

Pr

(9.81 m/s 2 )(0.003203 K -1 )(45 33.34 K )(0.015 m ) 3

(1.694 10 5 m 2 /s ) 2

(0.7257) 3125

The effective thermal conductivity is

4

Fcyl

Do
ln

Di

Lc ( Di 3 / 5 Do 3 / 5 ) 5 (0.015 m) 3

Pr

0.861 Pr

k eff 0.386k

0.07 m
ln 0.04 m

(0.04 m)

-7/5

(0.07 m) -7/5

0.1254

1/ 4

( Fcyl Ra ) 1 / 4

0.7257

0.386(0.02656 W/m.C)

0.861 0.7257

1/ 4

(0.1254)(3125) 1 / 4

0.03751 W/m.C

The heat transfer expression is

2k eff
2(0.03751 W/m.C)
Q
(T1 T2 )
(Ttube 33.34)C
Do
0.07 m
ln

ln
0.04 m
Di
The radiation heat loss is

Q rad As (Ts 4 Tsurr 4 ) (1)(0.1684 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 ) (Ttbe 273 K ) 4 (33.34 273 K ) 4
The expression for the total rate of heat transfer is

Q total Q conv Q rad

20 W

2(0.03751 W/m.C)
(Ttube 33.34)C
0.07 m
ln

0.04 m

(1)(0.1684 m 2 )(5.67 10 8 W/m 2 .K 4 ) (Ttbe 273 K ) 4 (33.34 273 K ) 4

Its solution is Ttube 45.9 C ,

which is sufficiently close to the assumed value of 45C. Therefore, there is no need to repeat the
calculations.

9-95