Determining heat transfer coefficient experimentally

By: Clint Collins Alan Day

There are many times where there is not an experimental model from which to determine the convective heat transfer coefficient.

Objective

◦ Experimentally determine the amount of heat transferred from an aluminum block

◦ Determine the convective heat transfer coefficient

Select a piece of aluminum Heat to 55°C Remove from oven Place on three points to minimize

conduction Take temperature readings every 300

seconds Calculate the heat transfer coefficient from

data

Radiation is negligible Conduction is negligible Lumped capacitance is applicable Material is pure Aluminum

Average q”=142.7 w/m^2

H=6.87w/m^2*K

There were inaccuracies in our measurements

The process used seems theoretically sound

Use a thermocouple for temperature readings

Calculate conduction

Free Convection (Possible air movement)

Do multiple repetitions