Forced and Free Convection

Thermalfluid Lab – MEC 554 / LSRC / SCA Rev.
01-2017
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Program : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Mechanical

Course : Thermalfluids Lab
Course Code : MEC 554
Lecturer/Tutor Name : MOHD SYAHAR BIN MOHD SHAWAL
Group : EMD5M8A
Lab Report
Experiment’s Tittle
NATURAL AND FORCED CONVECTION
Bil Student Name Student ID Signature

SHARIFAH BATRISYIA BINTI SYED
1. HAMDAN 2020899808
SITI IZAMAIERA BINTI MOHD AZMI

2. 2020896834
SITI AINOL AMIRAH BINTI ABD

3. 2020898706
MALEK
Lab Session : 25/10/2021 Approved by:

(Date)
Submission of Report : 1/11/2021 Received by:

(Date)
Assessment Rubric: Technical Content. 60 marks
Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Criteria Poor Acceptable Excellent
1. Introduction Unable to generate a Adequately generate Student capable to generate
(10 marks) complete theoretical theoretical formula with a complete theoretical
formula i.e. only writing the small errors. formula from the beginning.
final formula. Make some but tolerable All relevant engineering
Make many errors in errors in applications of principles and concepts are
applications of engineering engineering principles and accurately and
principles and concepts. concepts. comprehensively
demonstrated and applied.
2. Experimental Unable to produce and Adequately produce an Student capable to produce a
Procedure appropriate procedure to appropriate procedure to run detailed procedure to run the
(10 marks) run the experiment. the experiment i.e. missing experiment.
Having no objective(s). steps in procedure. Objective clearly defined.
Would not allow Having objective(s). Would allow experiments
experiment to achieve any Would allow experiment to to achieve goals.
goals. achieve most goals.
3. Data / result and Unable to present Adequately present Students capable to articulate
Sample Calculation experimental result using experimental result using experimental result using
(20 marks) appropriate tables, charts, appropriate tables, appropriate tables, charts,
graphs or other charts, graphs or other graphs or other presentation
presentation formats. presentation formats. formats.
4. Discussion and Unable to relate theoretical Adequately relate theoretical Students capable to relate
Conclusion analysis with experimental analysis with experimental theoretical analysis with
(20 marks) result and their practical result and their practical experimental result and
implication. implication. their practical implication.
Unable to come out a clear Conclusion is not clear, but Student capable to
and understandable yet, understandable in such express a clear and
conclusion. manner. concise conclusion.
Assessment Rubric: Writing Performance Level. 20 marks
Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Criteria Poor Acceptable Excellent
1. Structure Paragraphs are poorly Paragraphs are usually well All paragraphs are well
(5marks) organized; use of organized; use of sections is organized; use of sections is
sections is illogical logical and generally allows logical and allows easy
and hinders document easy document navigation. navigation through the
navigation. document.
2. Graphics, Figures, tables and Some figures, tables and All figures, tables and
figures, tables and equations are not equations are logically equations are clearly and
equations. clearly or logically identified and adequately logically identified and
(5marks) identified and fail to support the text. strongly support the text.
support the text.
3. Mechanics Sentences are poorly Sentences are generally Sentences are well written;
(5marks) written; numerous well written; a few there are no incorrect word
incorrect word choices incorrect word choices and choices
and errors in grammar, errors in grammar, and the text is free of errors
punctuation and spelling. punctuation and spelling. in grammar, punctuation
and spelling.
4. Formatting and Report is formatted poorly Formatting of the report Formatting of the report is
references and lacks a quality cover is genarally consistent professional and includes a
(5marks) page and index. and adequate,includes a professional cover page and
Fails to correctly report quality cover page and index.
any sources or to utilize index. Most sources are All sources are correctly
appropriate citation forms. correctly reported; reported; appropriate citation
appropriate citation forms forms are utilized thoughout.
are genarally utilized.
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
40450 SHAH ALAM
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
Tel: 03-55435190 Fax: 03-55435160
____________________________________________________________________________________
REPORT ASSESSMENT FORM
Experiment’s Title:
NATURAL AND FORCED CONVECTION
Prepared by:
Bil Name Matrix No Signature
1. SHARIFAH BATRISYIA BINTI SYED HAMDAN 2020899808
2. SITI IZAMAIERA BINTI MOHD AZMI 2020896834
3. SITI AINOL AMIRAH BINTI ABD MALEK 2020898706
Course Assessment
No Technical Report Outcome Full Mark Given Mark
1 Introduction CO2 10
Experimental
2 Procedures C02 10
Data/result/sample of
3 calculation CO2 20
Discussion and
4 Conclusion CO2 20
TOTAL 60 /60
Course Assessment
No Writing Performance Outcome Full Mark Given Mark
1 Structure CO3 5
2 Graphics/Figures/Tables C03 5
3 Mechanics CO3 5
Formatting and
4 references CO3 5
TOTAL 20 /20
TOTAL MARKS 80 /80
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………… 1-2
2.0 Objective…………………………………………………………………. 2
3.0 Apparatus………………………………………………………………… 3
4.0 Procedure………………………………………………………………… 4
5.0 Result and sample calculation…………………………………………... 5-17
6.0 Discussion………………………………………………………………… 18-21
7.0 Conclusion………………………………………………………………… 22-24
25
8.0 References………………………………………………………………….
9.0 Appendix………………………………………………………………….. 26
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Data Obtained from Natural Convection Experiment……………………… 5
Table 2: Data Obtained from Forced Convection Experiment……………………… 10
Table 3: Calculated Experimental Data for Forced Convection at Velocity 1.0 m/s… 13
Table 6: Calculated Theoretical Data for Forced Convection at Velocity 1.0 m/s …… 15
Table 7: Calculated Theoretical Data for Forced Convection at Velocity 1.5 m/s…… 16
Table 8: Calculated Theoretical Data for Forced Convection at Velocity 2.0 m/s…… 16
Table 9: Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Value of Heat Transfer……… 17
Coefficient
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Experiment’s Apparatus………………………………………………… 3
Figure 2: Experimental Procedure………………………………………………… 4
Figure 3: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Normal Convection……….. 6
Figure 4: Graph of Temperature Difference vs Time in Normal Convection……. 6
Figure 5: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Forced Convection…………… 10

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Convection is a process where heat is transferred by movement of a heated fluid such as

gasses or water. A fluid will rise to the top when it is hot and sink to the bottom when it is cold.
Convection is likely to happen when both of these situations repeat in a big scale cycle and
usually to be called natural convection as it will happen on their own whenever there is different
temperature in a room or space.
Meanwhile, there is another type of convection called forced convection. This type of
convection happens when the process of convection is speeded up by external sources such as
pump, fan and suction devices which will push the fluid to take its own place faster and increase
the heat transfer. Heat transfer is increased by fluid motion, which is measured in terms of fluid
velocity. As a result, when the velocity is high, the rate of heat transfer increases. The heat
transfer rate from a heated surface can be calculated as,
W
q̇ conv = ℎ(𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ ) ( m2 )
Q̇conv = ℎ𝐴(𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ ) (𝑊)

Where,
A = Area of the flat plate
𝑇𝑠 = Temperature of the surface
𝑇∞ = Surrounding temperature
While the heat transfer coefficient, h can be obtained by using the Nusselt’s Number
equation,
1 1
hL
Nu = = 0.664𝑅𝑒 2 𝑃𝑟 3
k
Where,
h = heat transfer coefficient
Re = Reynold’s Number
L = length of the plate
k = thermal conductivity
Pr = Prandtl number
1
The flow of the air in this experiment can be determined by looking at its Reynolds
Number, Re that can be calculated using formula:
𝜌𝑉𝐿
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
Where,
𝜌 = density of the fluid
u = velocity of the fluid
L = length of plate
𝜇 = dynamic viscosity
The purpose of this experiment is we will be able to determine the fluid velocity in order
to produce the desired temperature distribution and prevent the operation system from failing.
Furthermore, it can be used to determine the effect of the convection at a certain temperature
when the system runs.
In this experiment, both types of experiment were held. During this experiment, the
power input value, the flow speed of the air inside the duct, the inlet and exit temperatures of
air and the temperature of the heater surface are recorded so that at the end of this experiment
we can compare the measured heat transfer coefficient with the theoretical value.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this experiment are:
1. To demonstrate the use of a flat plate to improve the thermal properties of heat transfer
in forced convection.
2. To compare the heat transfer characteristics of free and forced convection.
2
3.0 APPARATUS
No. Picture
1.
2.
3.
4.
Figure 1: Experiment’s Apparatus
3
4.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
No. Procedure Picture

1. Turn on the power and adjust a
power input value
2. Wait until the system reaches the

steady-state (plot T vs time).
3. Record inlet and exit temperatures of
the air.
4. Record the surface temperature of

the heater.
Figure 2: Experimental Procedure
4
5.0 RESULT AND SAMPLE CALCULATION
Experimental Result of Natural Convection
Free Convection at V: 0m/s
Heater power: 36 Watts
Th: 52.4 ᵒC (Flat Constant Temperature)
(Assume Temperature ambient, T∞ = 28 (°C) due to the temperature surrounding)
Surface Temperature, Ts Temperature Differences,

Time, t (min)
(ᵒC) Ts -T∞ (°C)
1 46.1 18.1
2 46.5 18.5
3 47.2 19.2
4 47.6 19.6
5 48.1 20.1
6 48.5 20.5
7 49.0 21.0
8 49.4 21.4
9 49.6 21.6
10 50.1 22.1
11 50.5 22.5
12 50.6 22.6
13 51.8 23.8
14 52.0 24.0
15 52.4 24.4
16 52.4 24.4
17 52.4 24.4
18 52.4 24.4
Table 1: Data Obtained from Natural Convection Experiment
5
Surface Temperature (ᵒC) vs Time (min)
53 52.4 52.4 52.4 52.4
51.8 52
52
51 50.5 50.6
Surface Temperature (ᵒC)
50.1
50 49.4 49.6
49
49 48.5
48.1
47.6
48 47.2
47 46.5
46.1
46
45
44
43
42
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Time (min)
Figure 3: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Normal Convection
Temperature Difference (ᵒC) vs Time (min)

30
23.8 24 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4

Temperature Difference (ᵒC)
25
22.1 22.5 22.6
20.5 21 21.4 21.6
20.1
19.2 19.6
20 18.1 18.5
15
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Time (min)
Figure 4: Graph of Temperature Difference vs Time in Normal Convection
6
Sample Experimental Calculation for Natural Convection
Given:
Constant Velocity, V= 0m/s
Heater Power = 36 Watts
Surface Temperature, Th: 52.4 ᵒC + 273.15 = 325.55 K
(Assume Ambient Temperature, T∞ = 28 (°C) due to the temperature surrounding)
T∞ = 28 °C + 273.15 = 301.15 K
Air duct size: 13cm x 7.5cm
Heated flat plate size: 11cm x 10cm
Area of air duct = 0.13m x 0.075m
= 0.00975m2
Area of heated flat plate = 0.11m x 0.10m
= 0.011m2
Heat transfer coefficient, h
Q
h=
area(Ts − T∞)
36
=
0.011(325.55 − 301.15)
= 134.13 W/m2 K
7
Sample Theoretical Calculation for Natural Convection
Heater Power: 36 Watts
Surface Temperature, Th: 52.4 ᵒC
Assume Ambient Temperature, T∞ = 28 (°C) due to the temperature surrounding
Temperature of film plate
𝑇𝑠 + 𝑇∞
𝑇𝑓 =
2
52.4 + 28
=
2
= 40.2 ᵒC ≈ 40 ᵒC
Rayleigh Number, Ra
𝑔𝛽(𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞)𝐿3
𝑅𝑎 = 𝑃𝑟
𝜈²
1 1
𝛽= = = 0.003193
𝑇𝑓 40.2 + 273
(9,81)(0.003193)(52.4 − 28.0)(0.13 )
𝑅𝑎 = (0.7255)
(1.702 𝑥 10−5 )2
= 1.914 x 106
Nusselt Number, Nu
Nu = 0.54. Ra1/4 104 < 𝑅𝑎 < 107
Nu = 0.54 x (1.914 x 106)1/4
= 20.09
8
Heat transfer coefficient, h
hL
Nu =
k
Nu k
h=
L
(20.09)(0.02662)
h=
0.1
= 5.348 W/m2 K
Overall heat rate
Q = h.A(Ts - T∞)
= (5.348) (0.011) (52.4 – 28)
= 1.345 W
9
Experimental Result of Forced Convection
V= 1.0m/s V=1.5m/s V=2.0m/s

Time Interval
(minute) Th T1 T4 Th T1 T4 Th T1 T4
(ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC) (ᵒC)
1 52 26.1 26.9 52 26.2 26.9 52 26.1 26.9
2 51.8 26.1 27.0 51 26.2 27.2 50 26.1 27.5
3 51.7 26.1 27.1 50.3 26.2 27.3 49 26.2 27.7
4 51.5 26.1 27.3 49.7 26.1 27.5 47 26.2 27.9
5 51.4 26.1 27.4 49.1 26.1 27.8 46 26.2 28.2
Table 2: Data Obtained from Forced Convection Experiment
Where, Th = Surface Temperature
T1 = Air Inlet Temperature
T2 = Air Outlet Temperature
Surface Temperature (ᵒC) vs Time (min)

54
52
Surface Temperature (ᵒC)
51.8 51.7 51.5 51.4

52 51
50 50.3
49.7
50 49 49.1
48 47
46
46
44
42
1 2 3 4 5
Time Interval (min)
Surface Temperature with V=1.0m/s Surface Temperature with V=1.5m/s

Surface Temperature with V=2.0m/s
Figure 5: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Forced Convection
10
Sample Experimental Calculation for Forced Convection
Given:
Heated flat plate area = 0.011 m2
Air duct area = 0.00975 m2
At Velocity, V = 1m/s
Log-mean temperature difference
ΔT1 = 52.0-26.1
= 25.9 °C
ΔT4 = 52.0-26.9
= 25.1 °C
𝛥𝑇1 − 𝛥𝑇4
𝛥𝑇 =
𝛥𝑇1
𝑙𝑛 𝛥𝑇4
25.9 − 25.14
=
25.9
𝑙𝑛
25.1
𝛥𝑇 = 25.5 °𝐶
Mass flow rate
𝜌 = 1.2754𝑘𝑔 ∕ 𝑚4
𝑚̇ = 𝜌𝐴𝑉
= (1.2754)(0.00975)(1.0)
= 0.0124 𝑘𝑔/𝑠
11
Heat transfer
Cpair = 1.005KJ/kgK
Q = ṁcp (T4 − T1 )
= (0.0124)(1.005x103 )(26.9 − 26.1)
= 9.9696 W
Thermal coefficient
Q
h=
AΔT
9.9696
=
(0.011)(25.5 + 273.15)
𝑊
= 3.035
𝑚2 𝐾
Efficiency
Q
η=
Pin
9.9696
=
36
= 27.69 %
12
V = 1.0m/s
t (min) Th (ᵒC) T1 (ᵒC) (ᵒC) T4 (ᵒC) (ᵒC) T (ᵒC) Q (W) η (%) h (W/m^2 K)
1 52 26.1 25.9 26.9 25.1 25.50 9.9696 27.693 3.035
2 51.8 26.1 25.7 27 24.8 25.25 11.2158 31.155 3.417
3 51.7 26.1 25.6 27.1 24.6 25.10 12.462 34.617 3.799
4 51.5 26.1 25.4 27.3 24.2 24.80 14.9544 41.540 4.563
5 51.4 26.1 25.3 27.4 24 24.64 16.2006 45.002 4.946
Average Heat Transfer Coefficient 3.952
Table 3: Calculated Experimental Data for Forced Convection at Velocity 1.0 m/s
V = 1.5m/s
1 52 26.2 25.8 26.9 25.1 25.45 13.1224 36.45 4.00
2 51 26.2 24.8 27.2 23.8 24.30 18.7463 52.07 5.73
3 50.3 26.2 24.1 27.3 23 23.55 20.6209 57.28 6.32
4 49.7 26.1 23.6 27.5 22.2 22.89 26.2448 72.90 8.06
5 49.1 26.1 23 27.8 21.3 22.14 31.8687 88.52 9.81

V = 2.0m/s
1 52 26.1 25.9 26.9 25.1 25.50 19.9955 55.54 6.09
2 50 26.1 23.9 27.5 22.5 23.19 34.9921 97.20 10.73
3 49 26.2 22.8 27.7 21.3 22.04 37.4915 104.14 11.55
4 47 26.2 20.8 27.9 19.1 19.94 42.4904 118.03 13.18
5 46 26.2 19.8 28.2 17.8 18.78 49.9887 138.86 15.57
13
Sample Theoretical Calculation for Forced Convection
Given:
Heated flat plate area = 0.011 m2
Film temperature
𝑇𝑠 + 𝑇∞
𝑇𝑓 =
2
52 + 28
=
2
= 40 °𝐶
By referring properties of air at atmospheric pressure when the temperature is 40 ≈ 40 °C

Where,
At Velocity, V = 1m/s
Reynold Number, Re
𝜌𝑉𝐿
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
(1.127)(1)(0.1)
=
1.918𝑥10−5
= 5875.91
Re < 5x105 ⸫ Laminar Flow
Nusselt Number, Nu
1 1
𝑁𝑢 = 0.664𝑅𝑒 2 𝑃𝑟 3
1 1
= 0.664(5875.91)2 (0.7255)3
= 45.735
14
Heat Transfer Coefficient, h
hL
Nu =
k
Nu k
h=
L
(45.735)(0.02662)
h=
0.1
= 12.175 W/m2 K
Overall heat rate
Q = h.A(Ts - T∞)
= (12.175) (0.011) (52 – 28)
= 3.2142 W
V = 1.0 m/s
t (min) Th (ᵒC) Re Nu h (W/m^2 K) Q (W)
1 52 5875.91 45.735 12.175 3.214
2 51.8 5875.91 45.735 12.175 3.187
3 51.7 5875.91 45.735 12.175 3.174
4 51.5 5875.91 45.735 12.175 3.147
5 51.4 5875.91 45.735 12.175 3.134

Table 6: Calculated Theoretical Data for Forced Convection at Velocity 1.0 m/s
15
V = 1.5 m/s
1 52 8813.869 56.014 14.911 3.936
2 51 8813.869 56.014 14.911 3.772
3 50.3 8813.869 56.014 14.911 3.658
4 49.7 8813.869 56.014 14.911 3.559
5 49.1 8813.869 56.014 14.911 3.461

V = 2.0 m/s
1 52 11751.825 64.679 17.218 4.545
2 50 11751.825 64.679 17.218 4.167
3 49 11751.825 64.679 17.218 3.977
4 47 11751.825 64.679 17.218 3.598
5 46 11751.825 64.679 17.218 3.409

16
Experimental Theoretical Percentage
Minutes
Value value Error (%)
At V = 1 m/s 1 3.035 12.175 75.07
2 3.417 12.175 71.93
Heat Transfer Coefficient, h 3 3.799 12.175 68.80

(W/m^2 K) 4 4.563 12.175 62.52
5 4.946 12.175 59.38
At V = 1.5 m/s 1 3.995 14.911 73.21
2 5.729 14.911 61.58

(W/m^2 K) 4 8.059 14.911 45.95
5 9.811 14.911 34.20
At V = 2.0 m/s 1 6.087 17.218 64.65

2 10.735 17.218 37.65

(W/m^2 K) 4 13.180 17.218 23.45
5 15.567 17.218 9.59
Table 9: Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Value of Heat Transfer Coefficient
17
SHARIFAH BATRISYIA BINTI SYED HAMDAN (2020899808)
6.0 DISCUSSION
In this experiment, we held two types of experiments which are natural convection and
forced convection. As these two types of convection are different, the demonstration and the
result were also different. As shown on the graph of natural convection, it shows that the
temperature increases steadily for 15 minutes before remaining steady until the experiment ends
at 18 minutes.
On the other hand, forced convection is basically a process of heat transfer in which the
motion of fluid is influenced by external means which is in this experiment we used a fan. Three
different velocities were conducted in the forced experiment which are 1m/s, 1.5m/s and 2.0m/s
which have different heat transfer rates each by observing the graph’s line gradient.
Based on the results that we obtained from this experiment, we can compare the heat
transfer coefficients for natural and forced convection. Firstly, for natural convection the value
of the experimental heat transfer coefficient is 134.13 W/m^2 K and 5.348 W/m^2 K for the
theoretical heat transfer. While for forced convection the theoretical heat transfer coefficient
can be compared by observing the result on Table 9. From all the results, we can say that when
the heat transfer coefficient increases, the Reynolds number increases with it, and when the
velocity rises, the Reynolds number also increases. As a result, a greater Reynolds number was
required to generate a large number of heat transfer coefficients. Therefore, a faster wind will
shorten the time it takes to reach equilibrium.
Next, the efficiency values for natural and forced convection are different where the
forced convection has more efficiency than the natural convection in transferring heat. It is
expected for both efficiencies to be different as the forced convection has external influence that
can speed up the heat transfer unlike natural convection. Moreover, we calculated the Reynolds
number for both convection by referring to the length of the flat plate, x = 0.1m and we got
Re=5875.91 which Re < 5x10^5 and therefore determined it as laminar flow. It is usual
convection to be laminar flow, otherwise in turbulent flow, unsteady flows appear. A turbulent
layer is thicker than a laminar flow layer and it generates more skin-friction drag. While the
speed increases evenly in a laminar flow layer, friction affects the airflow more in the lower
region of a turbulent flow layer. Theoretically, heat transfer increases as the velocity goes
higher. This experiment shows that the theory is accurate.
18
SITI IZAMAIERA BINTI MOHD AZMI (2020896834)
6.0 DISCUSSION
Convection is known as one of the heat transfer mechanisms which moves within fluid
such as liquid or gasses. In conducting the natural experiment, a 36 Watt heat power with
velocity of 0 m/s and by considering the ambient temperature at 28°C. The surface temperature
at the beginning of the experiment was 46.1°C with temperature difference started at 18.1°C.
All the surface temperature and temperature differences every 1 minute were recorded. Based
on the plotted graph, it shows that when the time increases the temperature differences also
increases. At one time, the temperature difference will no longer increase because it has reached
maximum transfer. Due to no temperature difference and due to no heat transfer at the end, the
temperature plate and fluid have reaches thermal equilibrium. The experimental value of heat
transfer coefficient that has been calculated is 134.13 W/m2K while the theoretical value
is 5.348 W/m2 K at a surface temperature of 52.4°C.
For the forced convection, each experimental value of heat transfer coefficient will
increase in each minutes due to the temperature and also by increasing the velocity which is 1.0
m/s, 1.5 m/s and 2 m/s. The theoretical value of heat transfer coefficient at velocity 1.0 m/s, 1.5
m/s and 2.0 m/s have constant value in each minutes which are 12.175 W/m2K, 14.911 W/m2K
and 17.218 W/m2K. respectively. Comparing to the natural convection, forced convection has
produce good of heat transfer coefficient, by manipulation the temperature and velocity. Free
convection cannot produce high heat transfer due to velocity is 0 m/s.
When comparing the efficiency values for natural and forced convection, the forced
convection is higher than natural convection due to the temperature and changing the velocity.
For forced convection when the velocity increases, the efficiency will increase too. By
comparing the data of theoretical and experimental, the higher velocity it will produce higher
heat transfer coefficient and efficiency. For forced convection, 3 different velocities which are
1.0 m/s, 1.5 m/s and 2 m/s were apply in this experiment to show how velocity influence the
heat transfer. Meanwhile natural convection does not have any velocity because depending
surrounding area. It clearly expected, the forced is better good result efficiency and heat transfer
coefficient comparing the natural convection.
For the natural convection, the flows are laminar. It is clearly laminar due to velocity
constant 0 m/s so that will be non-turbulent. For the forced convection, by referring properties
of air at atmospheric pressure when the temperature is 40, the Reynolds number can be
19
calculated for every temperature with 3 different velocities. The Reynolds number also get
laminar flow for 3 different velocities which is less than 5 x 105. By increasing the velocity in
forced vibration, the value of Reynolds number also increases.
Last but not least, by comparing the result the data that were calculated for each
theoretical and experimental do not get same values for heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer
rate. The values are different due to some errors during the experiment. By doing standard
operation procedure, maybe the final data will get same or nearly for theoretical and
experimental. For the overall, the higher velocity, it will be produced higher thermal coefficient
and heat transfer rate.
20
SITI AINOL AMIRAH BINTI ABD MALEK (2020898706)
6.0 DISCUSSION
The experiment is conducted to compare heat transfer characteristics of free and forced
convection. Convection is a process where heat is transferred by movement of a heated fluid
such as air or water. When a power was heated up to 36Watts with a zero velocity and the
ambient temperature at 28℃. The surface temperature is 46.1℃ for the first one minute.
The surface temperatures were recorded every single minute. From the graph of surface
temperature vs time that have been plotted, it shows that the surface temperature was
increase as the time was increase but when it reached 15th minutes the surface temperature
had no change because thermal equilibrium was achieved. The experimental value of heat
transfer coefficient is higher than which is 134.13 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾 at a surface temperature 52.4℃.
When the force was added, the values of heat transfer coefficient were increased as the
velocity and temperature also increase. The theoretical values of heat transfer coefficient
were also increase at a velocity of 1𝑚⁄𝑠, 1.5𝑚⁄𝑠 and 2.0𝑚⁄𝑠 which are 12.175 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾,
14.911 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾 and 17.218 𝑊/𝑚2 𝐾 respectively.
The efficiency of heat transfer for free convection is lower compared to forced
convection as the changes of temperature and velocity. From the data that have been
obtained by calculating the experimental and theoretical value, it can be concluded that the
efficiency will increase when the force was applied. Natural free convection proved that
when a velocity is zero, the efficiency will tend to have a low value of heat transfer.
In term of the flow, free convection is a laminar when it came with a zero velocity and
no turbulent was occurred. The forced convection is turbulent since the Reynold’s number
will increase when velocity was increased.
Lastly, the experimental and theoretical value of heat transfer coefficient and efficiency
were not same after the result obtained have been calculated. The errors will occur due to
human and systematic error.
21
SHARIFAH BATRISYIA BINTI SYED HAMDAN (2020899808)
7.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we successfully completed this experiment by achieving the objectives.

Based on this experiment, we can figure out that both natural and forced convection have
different properties and results. We were also able to calculate the heat transfer for both
convections. As for the result, the heat transfer process for forced convection is faster than the
natural convection due to air flow. Because as we know, forced convection has external
influence like a fan to speeded up its heating transfer process. The velocity of air flow
manipulates the Reynolds number which will result in high heat transfer if the Reynolds number
is high. By that, we can observe the relationship between these parameters after plotting graphs.
Despite that, all the values that we calculated might be inaccurate due to some errors made in
this experiment.
22
SITI IZAMAIERA BINTI MOHD AZMI (2020896834)
7.0 CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, we can demonstrate how to utilise a flat plate to improve the thermal
properties of heat transfer in both normal and forced convection. This experiment more focussed
on the forced convection than natural convection. The value of heat transfer coefficient of the
natural and forced convection experiment shows a big different. Within forced convection
experiment, the velocity that was set in 2.0 m/s has the highest heat transfer coefficient compare
to the velocity 1.0 m/s and 1.5 m/s. As a result, by improving the velocity for each convection,
the heat transfer will produce higher in convection system. Thus, the objective of this
experiment is achieved by testing the heated surface to monitor the heat transfer using natural
and forced convection with flowing air at different velocities.
23
SITI AINOL AMIRAH BINTI ABD MALEK (2020898706)
7.0 CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, the objective of the experiment was achieved as the use of a flat plate to
improve the thermal properties of heat transfer in forced convection was be demonstrated. The
heat transfer characteristics of free and forced convection has been compared. When a force was
applied with the increasing velocity, the heat transfer coefficient and efficiency also increase.
From the experiment, forced convection slightly has a higher value of heat transfer coefficient
and efficiency compared to free convection. It was happened when the velocity and temperature
were increase respectively.
24
8.0 REFERENCES
1. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (Mar 29, 2019). Convection. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/science/convection [Accessed: 29 Oct 2021]
2. J.B.Will, N.P.Kruyt, C.H.Venner. (June, 2017). An experimental study of forced
convective heat transfer from smooth, solid spheres. Retrieved from,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0017931016331763 [Accessed: 30
Oct 2021]
3. Madhu. (May 23, 2018). Difference Between Natural and Forced Convection.
Retrieved from https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-natural-and-
forced-convection/ [Accessed: 30 Oct 2021]
4. J.M.K.C. Donev et al. (2021). Energy Education - Forced convection. Retrieved from
https://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Forced_convection [Accessed: November 1,
2021].
5. Whitelaw, Jim H. CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER.
https://www.thermopedia.com/content/660/ [Accessed: November 1, 2021].
6. Rayleigh Number | Definition, Formula & Calculation | nuclear-power.com. (2021,
March 20). Nuclear Power. Retrieved from https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-
engineering/heat-transfer/introduction-to-heat-transfer/characteristic-numbers/what-is-
rayleigh-number/ [Accessed: October 29, 2021].
7. Reynolds Number for Laminar Flow | nuclear-power.com. (2018, April 25). Nuclear
Power. Retrieved from https://www.nuclear-power.com/nuclear-engineering/fluid-
dynamics/reynolds-number/reynolds-number-for-laminar-flow/ [Accessed: October 29,
2021].
25
9.0 APPENDIX
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Forced and Free Convection

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Thermalfluid Lab – MEC 554 / LSRC / SCA Rev.

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

Program : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Mechanical

NATURAL AND FORCED CONVECTION

Bil Student Name Student ID Signature

SITI IZAMAIERA BINTI MOHD AZMI

SITI AINOL AMIRAH BINTI ABD

Lab Session : 25/10/2021 Approved by:

Submission of Report : 1/11/2021 Received by:

REPORT ASSESSMENT FORM

NATURAL AND FORCED CONVECTION

1. SHARIFAH BATRISYIA BINTI SYED HAMDAN 2020899808

2. SITI IZAMAIERA BINTI MOHD AZMI 2020896834

3. SITI AINOL AMIRAH BINTI ABD MALEK 2020898706

1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………… 1-2

5.0 Result and sample calculation…………………………………………... 5-17

6.0 Discussion………………………………………………………………… 18-21

7.0 Conclusion………………………………………………………………… 22-24

Table 1: Data Obtained from Natural Convection Experiment……………………… 5

Table 2: Data Obtained from Forced Convection Experiment……………………… 10

Table 9: Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Value of Heat Transfer……… 17

Figure 1: Experiment’s Apparatus………………………………………………… 3

Figure 2: Experimental Procedure………………………………………………… 4

Figure 3: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Normal Convection……….. 6

Figure 4: Graph of Temperature Difference vs Time in Normal Convection……. 6

Figure 5: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Forced Convection…………… 10

Convection is a process where heat is transferred by movement of a heated fluid such as

Q̇conv = ℎ𝐴(𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ ) (𝑊)

h = heat transfer coefficient

L = length of the plate

The objectives of this experiment are:

Figure 1: Experiment’s Apparatus

No. Procedure Picture

2. Wait until the system reaches the

4. Record the surface temperature of

Figure 2: Experimental Procedure

Free Convection at V: 0m/s

Heater power: 36 Watts

Th: 52.4 ᵒC (Flat Constant Temperature)

(Assume Temperature ambient, T∞ = 28 (°C) due to the temperature surrounding)

Surface Temperature, Ts Temperature Differences,

Figure 3: Graph of Surface Temperature vs Time in Normal Convection

Temperature Difference (ᵒC) vs Time (min)

23.8 24 24.4 24.4 24.4 24.4

Figure 4: Graph of Temperature Difference vs Time in Normal Convection

Constant Velocity, V= 0m/s

Heater Power = 36 Watts

Surface Temperature, Th: 52.4 ᵒC + 273.15 = 325.55 K

(Assume Ambient Temperature, T∞ = 28 (°C) due to the temperature surrounding)

Air duct size: 13cm x 7.5cm

Heated flat plate size: 11cm x 10cm

Area of air duct = 0.13m x 0.075m

Area of heated flat plate = 0.11m x 0.10m

Heat transfer coefficient, h

Surface Temperature, Th: 52.4 ᵒC

Assume Ambient Temperature, T∞ = 28 (°C) due to the temperature surrounding

Temperature of film plate