Question

A hot plate is being cooled by flowing air. The heat transfer coefficient for turbulent air flow is ________ that for laminar flow

A. less than
B. greater than
C. the same as
D. impossible to tell from the information provided

Answer 1

The heat transfer coefficient for turbulent airflow is greater than that for laminar flow due to increased mixing and disturbance of the boundary layer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The heat transfer coefficient for turbulent airflow is greater than that for laminar flow. This is because turbulent flow promotes more mixing and disturbs the boundary layer, resulting in higher heat transfer rates from the hot plate to the air. In contrast, laminar flow has a steady and smooth pattern that maintains a consistent boundary layer, typically leading to lower heat transfer rates. In summary, the heat transfer coefficient is higher in turbulent airflow due to increased mixing and disturbance of the boundary layer, facilitating more efficient heat transfer between the solid surface and the fluid.