Free Convection (Vertical Plate, Turbulent)
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Introduction to Free Convection
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Today, weβre going to discuss free convection, particularly in the context of vertical plates. Can anyone tell me what free convection is?
Isnβt it when fluid moves because of changes in density due to temperature differences?
Exactly! When a fluid is heated, it becomes less dense and rises. This creates a flow pattern based on buoyancy. How do you think this is different from forced convection?
In forced convection, an external force, like a pump, moves the fluid, right?
Correct! Free convection relies solely on internal buoyancy forces. Letβs now discuss the governing parameters.
Dimensionless Numbers: Grashof and Rayleigh
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We use dimensionless numbers to characterize convection. The Grashof Number, or Gr, plays a vital role in free convection. Can anyone explain its significance?
It compares buoyancy force to viscous force, right?
Yes, and the Rayleigh Number, which is Gr multiplied by the Prandtl Number, helps determine stability of the flow. Why is this important for turbulent flows?
Turbulent flows have different thermal characteristics than laminar flows, affecting heat transfer!
Exactly! In turbulent flows, we use different correlations for calculating heat transfer.
Heat Transfer Correlations for Turbulent Flow
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For turbulent flow over vertical plates, we use the correlation: Nu = 0.10 Ra^(1/3). Can someone explain what the Nusselt number represents?
Itβs a measure of the convective heat transfer relative to conductive heat transfer.
Correct! The Nusselt number helps us estimate the convective heat transfer coefficient, which is crucial in design applications. How would we apply this in a real-world scenario?
We could use it to calculate how effectively a vertical radiator heats the surrounding room air.
Great example! Understanding these correlations helps engineers design more efficient systems.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section provides an overview of free convection, particularly on vertical plates under turbulent flow conditions. It explains the significance of the Nusselt number in estimating heat transfer and discusses the role of the Grashof and Rayleigh numbers in determining flow regimes.
Detailed
In this section, we delve into the phenomenon of free convection specifically on vertical plates where the motion of fluid is driven by buoyancy forces due to density differences from temperature gradients. This is crucial in applications such as heating and cooling systems. The key governing dimensionless parameters are introduced: the Grashof Number (Gr), which quantifies the relative effect of buoyancy forces, and the Nusselt Number (Nu), which acts as a non-dimensional heat transfer coefficient. For turbulent flow over vertical plates, the correlation is expressed by the equation Nu = 0.10 Ra^(1/3) for ranges of Rayleigh Number (10^9 < Ra < 10^13). This section emphasizes the significance of these parameters by providing a means to predict heat transfer rates in specific engineering applications. The knowledge gained here is instrumental for engineers dealing with thermal management solutions.
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Nusselt Number Correlation for Turbulent Free Convection
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Chapter Content
Nu=0.10Ra1/3(109
Detailed Explanation
This equation gives the correlation for the Nusselt number (Nu) in turbulent free convection when applied to a vertical plate. It states that the Nusselt number is equal to 0.10 multiplied by the Grashof number raised to the power of one-third. The range of the Grashof number (Ra) for which this correlation is valid is between 10^9 and 10^13, indicating the conditions under which it applies.
Examples & Analogies
To understand this, think of a tall building on a hot day. As the sun heats the building, the air next to its surface becomes warmer and rises due to reduced density. As hotter air rises, it causes cooler air to flow in at the base. The equation is like a guideline that helps engineers calculate how effectively this air movement will transfer heat from the building's surface to the surrounding air.
Key Concepts
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Free Convection: Fluid movement due to buoyancy forces.
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Grashof Number: Measures buoyancy force relative to viscous force.
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Nusselt Number: Ratio of convective to conductive heat transfer.
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Rayleigh Number: Product of Grashof and Prandtl numbers used to characterize flow.
Examples & Applications
An example of free convection is the rising of warm air from a heater, creating a circulation pattern in a room.
In a hot water tank, the warm water at the bottom rises and cold water sinks, establishing a natural convection current.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When warm air rises high, it gives free convection a try.
Stories
Imagine a hot air balloon that rises because the air inside is warm and less denseβthis is like free convection in action!
Memory Tools
Remember the acronym 'GRR' to recall Grashof, Reynolds, and Rayleigh numbers.
Acronyms
Use 'NICE' for Nusselt, Internal, Convection, and Efficiency.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Free Convection
Fluid motion driven by buoyancy due to density variations caused by temperature gradients.
- Grashof Number (Gr)
A dimensionless number that measures the buoyancy force relative to viscous force in a fluid.
- Nusselt Number (Nu)
A dimensionless number representing the ratio of convective to conductive heat transfer.
- Rayleigh Number (Ra)
A dimensionless number that characterizes the flow regime in free convection, calculated as the product of Grashof and Prandtl numbers.
- Turbulent Flow
A type of fluid flow characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and velocity.
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