Enter the heat transfer rate, contact area, and temperature difference into the calculator to determine the film coefficient.
Film Coefficient Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the film coefficient.
h = q / (A * ΔT)
Variables:
- h is the film coefficient (W/m²K)
- q is the heat transfer rate (W)
- A is the contact area between the materials (m²)
- ΔT is the temperature difference between the materials (K)
To calculate the film coefficient, divide the heat transfer rate by the product of the contact area between the materials and the temperature difference between the materials.
What is a Film Coefficient?
A film coefficient, also known as a heat transfer coefficient, is a term used in thermodynamics to describe the rate at which heat is transferred between materials. It is dependent on the properties of the materials involved, the nature of the contact between them, and the temperature difference. The film coefficient is used in calculations involving heat exchange in systems such as radiators, boilers, and heat exchangers. It is a crucial factor in the design and operation of many industrial processes.
How to Calculate Film Coefficient?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Film Coefficient.
- First, determine the heat transfer rate (q) in watts (W).
- Next, determine the contact area between the materials (A) in square meters (m²).
- Next, determine the temperature difference between the materials (ΔT) in Kelvin (K).
- Next, gather the formula from above: h = q / (A * ΔT).
- Finally, calculate the Film Coefficient (h) in watts per square meter Kelvin (W/m²K).
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
heat transfer rate (q) = 120 W
contact area between the materials (A) = 5 m²
temperature difference between the materials (ΔT) = 10 K
