NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE

Department Mechanical Engineering

ME 3122E Heat Transfer (2012-13)
Solution to Practice Problems
1. The steady state temperature distribution in a one dimensional wall of thermal
conductivity 50 W/m.K and thickness 50 mm is observed to be T(oC) = a + bx2, where
a = 200 oC, b = -2000oC/m2, and x in metres.
(a) What is the heat generation rate in the wall?

(b) Determine the heat fluxes at the two wall faces. In what manner are these heat fluxes
related to the heat generation rate?
(a) The appropriate form of the heat equation for steady-state, one-dimensional
conditions with constant properties is:

Substituting the prescribed temperature distribution,

=

( + 2 )

==
[2] = 2

=
2(2000 /2 ) 50

= . /
.

(b) The heat fluxes at the wall faces can be evaluated from Fouriers law,

" =

Using the temperature distribution T(x) to evaluate the gradient, find
( + 2 )
" =
= 2

The fluxes at x = 0 and x = L are then

" () =

" () = 2 = 2 50

(2000 /2 ) 0.050
.

" () = , /

From an overall energy balance on the wall, it follows that, for a unit area,

" (0) " () + = 0

" () " (0) 10,000 /2 0

=
= 2.0 105 /3

0.050

2. A thin electrical heater is inserted between a long circular rod and a concentric tube
with inner and outer radii of 20 and 40 mm. The rod (A) has a thermal conductivity of
k A = 0.15 W/m.K, while the tube (B) has a thermal conductivity of k B = 1.5 W/m.K and
its outer surface is subjected to convection with a fluid of temperature T = -15oC and
heat transfer coefficient 50 W/m2.K. The thermal contact resistance between the cylinder
surface and the heater is negligible.
(a) Determine the electrical power per unit length of the cylinders (W/m) that is required
to maintain the outer surface of the cylinder B at 5oC
(b) What is the temperature at the centre of cylinder A?

(a) Perform an energy balance on the composite system to determine the power required
to maintain T(r 2 ) = T s = 5oC
= 0

= = 22 ( )

50
2 0.04 5 (15) = . /
2 .

(b) The inner rod is isothermal, that is T(0) = T(r 1 )

Representing cylinder B by a thermal circuit,

Therefore,

(1 )

2
= /2
1

40
20

(1 ) = +( ) = 5 + 251
= 23.5
2 1.5

Hence, (0) = (1 ) = .

Note that has no influence on the temperature (0)

3. Steel ball bearings are required to be subjected to heat treatment to obtain the desired
surface characteristics. The balls are heated to a temperature of 650C and then quenched

in a pool of oil that has a temperature 55C. The ball bearings have a diameter of 40 mm.
The convective heat transfer coefficient between the ball bearings and oil is 300 W/m2. K
Determine
a) The length of time that the bearings must remain in the oil before their temperature
drops to 200C,
b) Total amount of heat removed from each bearing during this time interval, and
c) Instantaneous heat transfer rate from the bearings when they are first placed in the oil
and when they reach 200C.The properties of steel ball bearings are as follows: k =50
W/m.K; = k/C p = 1.3x10-5 m2/s

Given: = 650 , = 55 , = 200

(a) Using the lumped heat capacity method,

()

, =

3
3

Time required for the cooling of the bearings,

0.02 50
200 55

=
=
3 1.3 105 300
650 55

(b) Total amount of heat removed,

= ( )

Using equation (1) to replace ( ),

after the integration,

3
= ( )

3
( )
1
3


0.02 50 4 0.022 (55 650)
3 1.3 105 300 120
=

3 1.3 105
0.02 50

1 = .

c) Instantaneous heat transfer rate from the bearings when they are first placed in the oil
and when they reach 200C.
= ( )

Heat transfer rate from the bearings when they are first placed, that is when t = 0,
= ( )(0) = ( )

= 300 4 0.022 (650 55) =

Heat transfer rate from the bearings when they reach 200C, that is when t = 120 s,
31.3105 300120

= 300 4 0.022 (650 55)

0.0250

=220.6 W

4. The extent to which the tip condition affects the thermal performance of a fin depends
on the fin geometry and thermal conductivity, as well as the convection coefficient.
Consider an alloyed aluminium (k = 180 W/m.K) rectangular fin whose base temperature
is 100 oC. The fin is exposed to a fluid of temperature T = 25 oC and a uniform
convection coefficient of h = 100 W/m2.K may be assumed for the fin surface.
For a fin of length L = 10 mm, thickness t = 1 mm, and width wt, determine the fin heat
transfer rate per unit width, fin efficiency and effectiveness for cases of convection heat
transfer and adiabatic fin tips. Contrast your results with those based on an infinite fin
approximation.

100
(2 + 0.002)

2
= = .
= 33.34 1
180

(1 0.001)
.

= =

180
100
(1 0.001) (2 + 0.002) 2
= 450 /
.
.

Case A: convection heat transfer from fin tip

=
=
=

+ (/)
0.340 + 0.0167 1.057
= 450 /
= /
+ (/)
1.057 + 0.0167 0.340

151 /
=
= .
2
(2 + ) 100 / (2 0.01 + 0.001) 75

151 /
=
= .
100 /2 0.001 75

Case B: adiabatic fin tip

= = 450
=
=

0.321 = /

0.321
=
= .

0.333

144 /
=
= .
100 /2 0.001 75

Case C: Very long fin ( )

= = /,
=

450 /
=
=
= .
100 /2 0.001 75

5. Consider the right-circular cylinder of diameter D, length L, and the area A 1 , A 2 and
A 3 representing the base, inner, and top surfaces, respectively.
(a) Show that the view factor between the base of the cylinder and the inner surface has
the form F 12 = 2H[(1+H2)1/2-H], where H = L/D
(b) Show that the view factor for the inner surface to itself has the form F 22 = 1+H(1+H2)1/2

Given: Right-circular cylinder of diameter D, length L and the areas A , A , and A

1

representing he base, inner lateral and top surfaces, respectively.

(a) Show that the view factor between the base of the cylinder and the inner lateral
surface has he form F 12 = 2H[(1+H2)1/2-H]

(a) Relation for F , base-to-inner lateral surface. Apply the summation rule to A ,
12

noting that F = 0
11

11 + 12 + 13 = , 12 = 1 13

For the given configuration, =

1
=
1
2 2

2 2 4

, = , = 1 +

1+ 2
2

(1)
(2)

Using equations (1) and (2) with i = 1, j = 3,

1

3 2

1
2

13 = 2 4 and
1

=1+

1+3 2
1 2

, = 2 + 2 = 4 2 + 2

(3)

where R = R = R = D/2L and H = L/D. Combining Eqs. (2) and (3) with Eq. (1), find
1

after some manipulation

12 = 1

12 = 2 (1 + 2 )1/2

1
1
{4 2 + 2 [(4 2 + 2)2 4]}2
2

(4)

b) Relation for F , inner lateral surface. Apply summation rule on A , recognizing that
22

F =F ,
23

21

21 + 22 + 23 = 1

22 = 1 221

(5)

Apply reciprocity between A and A ,

1

21 = 12
2

(6)

and substituting into Eq. (5), and using area expressions

22 = 1 2

22 = 1 221

1
12 = 1 2 12 = 1 12
2
4
2

where A = D /4 and A = DL.

1

Substituting from Eq. (4) for F , find

12
1
22 = 1 2(1 + 2 )1/2 = 1 + (1 + 2 )1/2
2
6. A certain surface maintained at 1400 K has the following spectral emissive
characteristics:
= 0.08
0 < < 0.5m,
= 0.4
0.6 < < 5m
= 0.7
5<<
Calculate the emissive power of the surface.

For the given spectral emissive characteristics,

1
2

, ()
, ()
, ()
, ()
=
=
+
+

()
()
()
()
0
1
0
2
=

0.6

, ()
, ()
, ()
+
2
+ 3

()
()
()
0.6
5

= 1 (0.6) (0)+2 (5) (0.6) + 3 () (5)

= 0.08(0.6) (0)+0.4(5) (0.6) + 0.7() (5)

= 0.08[0.000016 0.000]+0.4[0.808109 0.000016] + 0.7[1 0.808109]

= 0.00000128+0.32323 + 0.13432 = 0.4575

= 4 = 5.67 108 0.4575 14004 = . /

7. An opaque surface, 2m by 2m, is maintained at 400 K and is simultaneously exposed
to solar irradiation with G = 1200 W/m2. The surface is diffuse and its spectral
absorptivity is = 0, 0.8, 0 and 0.9 for 0 0.5m, 0.5 < 1m, 1 m < 2m
and > 2m, respectively. Determine the absorbed irradiation, emissive power, radiosity,
and net radiation heat transfer from the surface.
Assuming: (1) Opaque, diffuse surface behavior, (2) Spectral distribution of solar
radiation corresponds to emission from a blackbody at 5800 K.

The absorptivity to solar irradiation is

, (5800)
=
=

0
0

0.5

1
2
, ()
, ()
, ()
1
+
2
+
3

()
()
()
0.5
1

, ()
+ 4

()
2

= 1 (0.5) (0)+2 (1) (0.5) + 3 (2) (1) +

4 () (2)

= 0.0(0.5) (0)+0.8(1) (0.5) + 0.0(2) (1) +

0.9() (2)
= [0.8(0.72 0.25)] + [0.9(1.0 0.94)] = 0.43

= = 0.43 1200 = /

The emissivity

0.5

, (400)

1
2
, ()
, ()
, ()
+
2
+
3

1
()
()
()
0.5
1

, ()
+ 4

()
2

= 1 (0.5 400) (0 400)+2 (1 400) (0.5 400) +

3 (2 400) (1 400) + 4 () (2 400)
= 0+0 + 0 + [0.9(1.0 0.000016)]=0.9
= 4 = 5.67 108 0.9 4004 = /

The radiosity is : = + = + (1 ) = 1306 + 0.57 1200 =

/
The net radiation transfer from the surface is:

= ( ) = (1306 515) 4 =

Note: Unless 3164 W are supplied to the surface by other means (for example, by

10

8. A cryogenic fluid at 100 K is transported through a pipe 15 mm OD (outer diameter)

installed in a circular duct. The emittance of the outer surface of this pipe is 0.25.
(a) This 15 mm OD pipe is encased by another pipe of 25 mm OD and the space between
them is evacuated. The emittance of the inner surface of this pipe is 0.35. Find the heat
gain by the cryogenic fluid per unit length when outer pipe is at 280 K.
(b) To reduce heat gain, a cylindrical radiation shield of 20 mm OD is inserted between
the two tubes stated in (a). Both sides of this tube have an emittance of 0.06. Find the
equilibrium temperature of this radiation shield and reduction of heat gain by the fluid.

Do = 25 mm
To = 280 K

Di = 15 mm

Ds = 20 mm

Ti = 100 K

o = 0.35

s = 0.06

i = 0.25

(a)
=

4 4
1
1
1
+ +

5.67 108 (2804 1004 )

1 0.25
1
1 0.35
+
+
0.25 0.015 0.015 1 0.35 0.025
=

342.84
= . /
63.69 + 21.23 + 23.66

11

(b) Additional resistances due to the radiation shield

1 1
1
+
+

1 0.35
1
1 0.06
+
+
= 514.86 1
0.06 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.02 1
, =

342.84
= 0.55 /
63.69 + 21.23 + 23.66 + 514.86
3.150.55

% Reduction in heat gain =

3.15

100 = . . %

9. An electric air heater consists of a horizontal array of thin metal strips that are each 10
mm long in the direction of an air stream that is in parallel flow over the top of the strips.
Each strip is 0.2 m wide, and 25 strips are arranged side by side, forming a continuous
and smooth surface over which the air flows at 2 m/s. During operation, each strip is
maintained at 500oC and the air is at 25oC. What is the rate of convection heat transfer
from the (i) first strip? (ii) The fifth strip? (iii) The tenth strip? and (iv) All the strips?
Properties of air at at (500 + 25)/2 oC = 535.5 K: = 2.849 x 10-5, k = 0.04357 W/m.K
Pr = 0.68, = 0.6418 kg/m3

(i) The location of transition is determined from:

5 105 2.849 105

=
= 11.09

0.6418 2

Since x c >>L=0.25 m, the air flow is laminar over the entire heater. For the first strip,

12

1 =
1 ( ) ( )

1 =

1 =

0.664 0.5 0.33

0.0429
0.6418 0.01 2 0.5
0.664
0.680.33 = 53.23 /2 .
0.01
2.849 105
1 = 53.23 (0.01 0.2) (500 25) = .

(ii) The fifth strip, 5 = 05 04

5 = 05 (5 ) ( ) 04 (4 ) ( )
5 = (505 404 )( ) ( )
05 =
04 =

0.0429
0.6418 0.05 2 0.5
0.664
0.680.33 = 23.80 /2 .
0.05
2.849 105
0.0429
0.6418 0.04 2 0.5
0.664
0.680.33 = 26.61 /2 .
0.04
2.849 105

5 = (5 23.80 4 26.61)(0.01 0.2) (500 25) = .

(iii) The tenth strip, 10 = 010 09

10 = 010 (10 ) ( ) 09 (9 ) ( )
5 = (1005 904 )( ) ( )
010 =

09 =

0.0429
0.6418 0.1 2 0.5
0.664
0.680.33 = 16.83 /2 .
0.1
2.849 105

0.0429
0.6418 0.09 2 0.5
0.664
0.680.33 = 17.74 /2 .
0.09
2.849 105

10 = (10 16.83 9 17.74)(0.01 0.2) (500 25) = .

(iii) For the entire heater

5 = (1005 904 )( ) ( )
13

025 =

0.0429
0.6418 0.25 2 0.5
0.664
0.680.33 = 10.64 /2 .
0.25
2.849 105

1 = 025 (25 ) ( ) = 10.64 25 0.01 0.2 (500 25)

= .

10. Consider a flat plate subject to parallel flow (top and bottom) characterized by u = 5
m/s, T = 20oC. Determine the average convective heat transfer coefficient, convective
heat transfer rate, and drag force associated with an L = 2 m long, w = 2 m wide flat plate
for air flow and surface temperatures of Ts = 50oC and 80oC.
Ts = 50, 80oC

Properties of air at (50 + 20)/2 oC = 308 K: = 1.846 x 10-5, k = 0.02624 W/m.K,

= 1.0049 /. , Pr = 0.707, = 1.177 kg/m3
2 =

1.177 2 5
= 6.4 105 > 5 105
1.846 105

therefore, the flow is turbulent at the end of the plate.

=

0.02624
[0.37(6.4 105 )0.8 871] 0.7070.33 = . / .
2.0
= ( ) = 8.85 2 2 (50 20) =

We have information involving frictional force as follows:

2/3 =

,
2

1 2
2

, =

,
2

14

8.85
=
= 0.0015
1.177 1.0049 1000 5

2/3 = 2 0.0015 0.7070.33 = 0.00238

= 2

1
=
2 = 0.00238 0.5 1.177 5 5 = 0.035 /2
2
= 2 = 2 0.035 2 2 = .

Note: Similarly, you can find out the above for the case of surface temperature 80oC
11. Water at 35oC enters a square tube of sides 2 cm with a velocity of 3 cm/s and exit
with a temperature of 55oC. The wall of the square tube is maintained at a uniform
temperature of 80oC. Neglecting entrance effect, determine the length of the tube
required.
Properties of water at (55 + 35)/2 oC = 45oC: = 594 x 10-6, k = 0.638 W/m.K, =
4.181 /. , Pr = 3.89, = 990.19 kg/m3
4m
= 6.4 105 > 5 105
D
m = A u = 4 104 3 102 990.19 = 0.01189 kg/s
4A 4 4 104
D=
=
= 2 102 m
P
8 102
4m
4 0.01189
=
= 1274
=
D 2 102 594 106
=

= 2.976 (: )

h =

h D
= 2.976
k

0.638 2.976
= 94.93 /2 .
2 102

Also, from an energy balance, we can write: m () = hPL()

(1)

15

80 oC

T2
T1
55 oC

35 oC

() =
Therefore from (1),

(1 2 ) (45 25)
=
= 34.02 C
1
45
ln
ln
25
2

m () = h PL()

0.01189 4181 20 = 94.93 8 102 L 34.02

Required tube length, L = 3.84 m

12. Steam condensing on the outer surface of a thin walled circular tube of diameter 40
mm and length L = 6 m maintains a uniform outer surface temperature of 100oC. Water
flows through a tube at a rate of 0.3 kg/s, and is heated from 25oC to 65oC. Determine the
average convection coefficient associated with the water heating.
Properties of water at (65 + 25)/2 oC = 45oC: = 594 x 10-6, k = 0.638 W/m.K, =
4.181 /. , Pr = 3.89, = 990.19 kg/m3
4m
= 6.4 105 > 5 105
D
4m
4 0.3
=
=
= 16,084 > 2300
D 40 103 594 106
=

Therefore, the flow is turbulent, and

16

0.023 0.8 0.33

0.638
0.023 (16,084)0.8 (3.89)0.33 = / .
40 103

13. Check the dimensions for Grashof Number and rearrange it to express it as
Gr = (Inertia force/Viscous force). (Buoyancy force/Viscous force)

Checking the dimension,

gTL3
, =
2

m 1
2 K (K)(m)3
m
1
s2
s
3
(K)
(m)
=
= 2

4 = 1
2
m
s
K
m2
s
= 2
=

= = T,

1
T

gTL3 gTL3 2 u2
, =
=
2
2 u2

gTL3 2 (gTL). (u2 )

=

2
.

Therefore, Gr = (Inertia force/Viscous force). (Buoyancy force/Viscous force)

14. A vertical plate is maintained at 40oC in 20oC still air. Determine

(a) The height at which the boundary layer will turn turbulent if turbulence set in at
GrPr = 109
(b) The value of boundary layer thickness
(c) The value of average convection coefficient

17

(a) The height at which the boundary layer will turn turbulent if turbulence set in at
GrPr = 109
Properties of air at (40 + 20)/2 oC = 303K: = 1.846 x 10-5, k = 0.02624 W/m.K
Pr = 0.707, = 1.177 kg/m3
gTL3 2
1
=
, =
= 0.0033 K 1
2
303

1/3

109 2
L=

gT2 Pr

gTL3 2 Pr
= 109
2
1/3
109 (1.846 105 )2
=
= .
9.81 0.0033 20 1.1772 0.707
=

(b) For laminar boundary layer for natural convection heat transfer,

= 3.93Pr 1/2 (0.952 + Pr)1/4 Grx 1/4

gTL3 2 9.81 0.0033 20 0.8143 1.1772

=
= 1.42 109
(1.846 105 )2
2
= 3.93LPr 1/2 (0.952 + Pr)1/4 Grx 1/4
1

= 3.93 0.814 0.7072 (0.952 + 0.707)4 (1.42 109 )4 = 0.0222 m

= .

(c) Average convection coefficient,

=

4
= 3

= 0.508Pr1/2 (0.952 + Pr)1/4 Grx1/4

0.508Pr1/2 (0.952 + Pr)1/4 Grx1/4

1
1
1
0.02624
0.508 0.7072 (0.952 + 0.707)4 (1.42 109 )4
0.814

= 2.36 /2 .

18

4
2.36 = . / .
3

15. A vertical plate 4 m high and 1 m wide is maintained at 60oC in still air at 0oC.
Determine the value of average convection coefficient and heat transfer rate from the
vertical plate.
Properties of air at (60 + 0)/2 oC = 303 K: = 1.846 x 10-5, k = 0.02624 W/m.K
Pr = 0.707, = 1.177 kg/m3
=

gTL3 2 Pr
2

9.81 0.0033 60 43 1.1772 0.707

=
= 3.57 1011
(1.846 105 )2

= 0.021()0.4

0.02624
0.021 (3.57 1011 )0.4 = . / .
4

= ( ) = 5.76 4 1 (60 0) = .

16. The condenser of a large steam power plant contains 1000 brass tubes (k = 110
W/m.K). The tubes are of thin wall construction with D = 25 mm and steam condenses
on their outer surface with an associated convection coefficient of 10,000 W/m2.K.
(a) If the cooling water from a large lake is pumped through the condenser tubes at 400
kg/s, what is the overall heat transfer coefficient? Properties of the water may be assumed
as = 960 x 10-6 kg/m.s, k = 0.60 W/m.K and Pr = 6.6.
(b) If water is extracted from the lake at 23oC and 10 kg/s of steam at 0.5 bars are to be
condensed, what is the corresponding temperature of the water leaving the condenser?
The specific heat of the water is 4180 J/kg.K
(a) Outside heat transfer coefficient, ho = 10,000 W/m2.K
1
1
1
= +

19

4 m
4 (400/1000)
=
= 21,231 > 2300
D
0.025 960 106

Therefore, the flow is turbulent.

=

0.60
0.023 (21,231)0.8 (6.6)0.33 = 2978 /2 .
0.025

1
1
1
1
1
= +
=
+
= 0.0004358 2 . /
2978 10,000
= / .

(b) From the steam table, for 0.5 bar, h fg = 2305 kJ/kg = 2305 x 103 J/kg
Energy balance in the heat exchanger gives,
water = m steam hfg
mtotal

[400 4180 ( 23)]water = 10 2305 103

=

17. Exhaust gas from a furnace is used to preheat the combustion air supplied to the
furnace burners. The gas which has a flow rate of 15 kg/s and an inlet temperature of 820
o
C, passes through a bundle of tubes, while the air, which has a flow rate of 10 kg/s and
an inlet temperature of 27oC is in cross flow over the tubes. The tubes are unfinned, and
the overall heat transfer coefficient is 100 W/m2.K. Determine the total tube surface area
required to achieve an air outlet temperature of 577oC. The exhaust gas and the air may
each be assumed to have a specific heat of 1075 J/kg.K.
Using usual notations and :
= , = 10 1.075 = 10.75 =

= , = 15 1.075 = 16.13 ==
20

10.75
=
= 0.666
16.13

, , 577 27
=
= 0.694
, , 820 27

Using chart for one fluid mixed and the other unmixed,
= 2.3 =

2.3 10.75 1000

= .
100

21