Introductory description

ES4D9-15 Heat Transfer Theory and Design

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The theoretical background to heat and mass transfer by conduction, convection, radiation, condensation and boiling is given. The design applications developed concentrate on more realistic mixed mode or complex heat transfer, e.g. fins (heat sinks for electronic components, compact heat exchangers), flat plate solar collectors, heat exchangers.

Introduction: Problems in heat transfer.

Convection: Continuity, momentum, energy equations as applied to boundary layers. Laminar and turbulent flow. Dimensional analysis. Forced convection heat transfer and pressure drops: in tubes, across tube banks, on flat plates. Natural convection.

Conduction: Steady state conduction. 2-D and 3- D conduction with heat generation. 1- , 2 and 3- D transient conduction.
Mixed conduction and convection - fin effectiveness.

Radiation heat transfer.

Condensation, boiling and sublimation heat transfer.

Applications:
Heat exchangers. Heat exchanger types. LMTD and E-NTU design methods. Heat exchanger design optimisation.
Mixed radiation and convection - flat plate solar collector. Heat pipes. Building heat transfer.

CAD methods in heat transfer design - introduction about the role of numerical modelling techniques in heat transfer design and overview of some frequently used commercial software packages.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply comprehensive knowledge of the basic heat transfer processes.
• Critically examine the roles of numerical techniques in conceptualizing heat transfer designs, and interpret the usefulness of frequently used commercial software packages
• Autonomously evaluate heat transfer rates using correlations of non-dimensional groups, complex analytical techniques or numerical techniques.
• Autonomously model real-life processes for the purposes of approximate calculation.
• Evaluate the compromises between effectiveness and cost inherent in the design optimisation of heat transfer equipment.

Indicative reading list

1. Introduction to Heat Transfer by Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine, Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, John Wiley & Sons; 6th Edition (14 April 2011)
2. Heat Transfer by Jack P. Holman, McGraw-Hill Higher Education; 10th edition (1 May 2009).
3. Heat Exchangers. Selection, Rating, and Thermal Design, by Sadik Kakac, Hongtan Liu, and Anchasa Pramuanjaroenkij, CRC Press, 3rd Edition (1 March 2012)
4. Foundations of Heat Transfer: International Student Version by Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, Theodore L. Bergman and Adrienne S. Lavine, John Wiley & Sons; 6th Edition International Student Version edition (27 April 2012).
5. The Engineering Databook, Engineering Student Office, School of Engineering, University of Warwick.
6. Thermodynamic and Transport Properties of Fluids: S. I. Units, by G. F. C. Rogers and Yon R. Mayhew, Wiley-Blackwell; 5th Edition (27 Nov 1994, reprinted: 2004).

Subject specific skills

Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality
Ability to seek to achieve sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative and innovative

Transferable skills

Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities