LearnChemE

Combined Free and Forced Convection
Description

The Grashof number and the square of the Reynolds number are plotted as functions of the velocity of air as it passes over a flat plate. The yellow area represents the region where \( \mathrm{ Re }^{2} / \mathrm{ Gr } < 0.2 \) and free convection dominates heat transfer. The blue area represents the region where \( \mathrm{ Re }^{2} / \mathrm{ Gr } > 5 \) and forced convection dominates heat transfer. The dotted red line represents the velocity selected by the slider, and the Nusselt number \( \mathrm{ Nu } \) is displayed above the plot for that velocity. The plate diagram is a representation of the system. The plate temperature and the fluid temperature can be changed with sliders. The length of the plate can also be changed with sliders.

This simulation runs on desktop using the free Wolfram Player. Download the Wolfram Player here.
About
This simulation was made at the University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.  Author(s): Mathew L. Williams

View the source code for this simulation