A general approach for predicting convective heat transfer coefficients in turbulent systems

Abstract

A generalized approach for predicting turbulent convective heat transfer coefficients using large eddy simulation is presented. This model is based on semi-empirical transport theory, which links the local convective heat transfer rate to the local energy dissipation rate within the near-wall boundary layer. We apply these approaches to agitated tanks, pipe flow systems, cylinders in crossflow, and tube bundles. We validate the generality and reliability of the theoretical model against expectations from experimentally derived empirical design correlations.