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Nusselt Number Formula:
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The Nusselt Number using Blasius Similarity is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of convective to conductive heat transfer at a boundary in a fluid flow. The Blasius similarity solution provides an analytical approach for calculating this number in laminar boundary layer flows.
The calculator uses the Blasius similarity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula is derived from the Blasius boundary layer solution and provides the Nusselt number for laminar flow over a flat plate with constant surface temperature.
Details: The Nusselt number is crucial for predicting heat transfer rates in various engineering applications, including heat exchangers, cooling systems, and thermal management of electronic devices.
Tips: Enter the Laminar Reynolds Number and Laminar Prandtl Number. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the range of validity for this formula?
A: This formula is valid for laminar flow over a flat plate with Reynolds numbers typically below 5×10^5 and for fluids with Prandtl numbers between 0.6 and 50.
Q2: How does this differ from turbulent flow Nusselt number correlations?
A: Turbulent flow correlations typically have higher exponents on the Reynolds number (around 0.8) compared to the 0.5 exponent in this laminar flow correlation.
Q3: What are typical values for Nusselt number?
A: Nusselt numbers typically range from 1-100 for natural convection and can reach several thousand for forced convection in turbulent flows.
Q4: Can this formula be used for curved surfaces?
A: No, this specific formula is derived for flat plates. Curved surfaces require different correlations that account for curvature effects.
Q5: What are the limitations of this approach?
A: This approach assumes constant fluid properties, no viscous dissipation, and a semi-infinite flat plate with uniform surface temperature.