This study presents a novel generalized model for forced convective heat transfer coefficients (CHTC) over flat plates, addressing key limitations in existing models. Current expressions often provide averaged values and fail to capture the local variations in heat transfer, leading to inaccuracies, particularly in transitional zones. Moreover, there is no consensus on boundary layer classifications, which further complicates the development of reliable CHTC models. To address these issues, we conduct extensive CFD simulations to systematically analyze the combined effects of plate length (L), wind velocity (v), position along the plate (x), and temperature difference (Δt) on local CHTC. The simulations span a wide range of conditions (0.25 m ≤ L ≤ 8 m, 3 m/s ≤ v ≤ 25 m/s, and 5 °C ≤ Δt ≤ 80 °C), creating a comprehensive database of local CHTC values. Based on this data, a new generalized CHTC expression is derived as a function of L, v, x, and Δt, accurately predicting CHTC across laminar, transitional, and turbulent zones of flat plats. The accuracy of proposed CHTC expression is verified through thorough in-sample and out-of-sample evaluations, achieving R2 values between 0.973 and 0.999, with maximum deviations ranging from 2.6 % to 8.5 %. These research methods and conclusions can provide valuable references for optimizing thermal processes in applications such as industrial heat exchangers, electronics cooling, and building heating systems, where precise heat transfer modeling is critical for enhancing efficiency and system design.
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