Design Calculators - Mechanical

This calculator determines the overall heat transfer coefficient (U-value) for a flat wall (e.g., a plate or a flat section of a heat exchanger). The U-value quantifies the rate of heat transfer through a composite barrier per unit area per unit temperature difference.

It considers the convection coefficients on both sides of the wall, the thermal conductivity of the wall material, its thickness, and fouling resistances (if applicable).

• Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (\(U\)): Represents the overall thermal transmittance. A higher U-value means greater heat transfer.
• Fouling Factors (\(R_f\)): Account for thermal resistance due to deposition of impurities on heat transfer surfaces, reducing efficiency.

Note: This calculator provides a simplified U-value for a flat wall. For complex geometries (e.g., cylindrical pipes, multi-layer walls) or specific fluid applications, refer to specialized heat transfer literature and industry standards like TEMA (Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association) for fouling factors, ASHRAE for building applications, or comprehensive heat transfer textbooks (e.g., Incropera, Holman).