Simplified Analytical Models for Forced Convection Heat Transfer From Cuboids of Arbitrary Shape

Three analytical models are presented for determining laminar, forced convection heat transfer from isothermal cuboids. The models can be used over a range of Reynolds number, including at the diffusive limit where the Reynolds number goes to zero, and for a range of cuboid aspect ratios from a cube to a flat plate. The models provide a simple, convenient method for calculating an average Nusselt number based on cuboid dimensions, thermophysical properties and the approach velocity. Both the cuboid and the equivalent flat plate models are strongly dependent upon the flow path length which is bounded between two easily calculated limits. In comparisons with numerical simulations, the models are shown to be within ±6 percent over the range of 0⩽ReA⩽5000 and aspect ratios between 0 and 1.