Math 2.0

Classical thermodynamics, heat transfer Definition

Heat transfer coefficient

Builds on Convective heat transferHeat fluxTemperature

Definition

Let a solid surface at temperature TsT_s exchange heat by convection with a fluid of reference temperature T∞≠TsT_\infty \ne T_s. Let qsq_s be the normal heat flux from the surface into the fluid. The heat transfer coefficient is h=qsTs−T∞.h = \frac{q_s}{T_s - T_\infty}. Its unit is W m−2 K−1\mathrm{W \, m^{-2} \, K^{-1}}.

Remarks

The reference T∞T_\infty is the temperature far from the surface for an external flow, and a mean temperature for flow in a pipe. The coefficient may be local, at a point, or averaged over the surface.

Example: a plate at 6060 degrees Celsius in air at 2020 degrees Celsius loses 400400 watts per square metre. Then h=400/40=10h = 400 / 40 = 10 watts per square metre per kelvin.

Non-example: the thermal conductivity of air, about 0.0260.026 watts per metre per kelvin, is not a heat transfer coefficient. Its unit is different, and it is a property of the material alone.

Writing qs=h(Ts−T∞)q_s = h (T_s - T_\infty) with hh independent of TsT_s is Newton's law of cooling.

Reading path

To understand this page from the ground up, read these 4 pages in order. The foundations come first.

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Convective heat transfer, concept, no evidence levelConvective heat trans…conceptHeat flux, concept, no evidence levelHeat fluxconceptTemperature, concept, no evidence levelTemperatureconceptHeat transfer coefficient, definition, no evidence levelHeat transfer coeffic…definition
Each page uses the pages above it. The colour of the bar on a box shows how strong the evidence is, and the box also gives it as text. The list has the same pages.
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  1. Convective heat transfer concept
  2. Heat flux concept
  3. Temperature concept
  4. Heat transfer coefficient definition

Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_transfer_coefficient
About this page
TagEHHS7BZ9HK
URIm2://EHHS7BZ9HK
Kinddefinition
WritingW0 stub
MSC80A19, 76R05
DefinesHeat transfer coefficient
UsesConvective heat transfer, Heat flux, Temperature
Changed3 November 2026

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