Overview

This book is different from existing heat transfer textbooks in several ways. Most obviously and importantly, this book presents heat transfer theory side-by-side with the modern computational tools that will be used to solve heat transfer problems in a time-efficient manner. The engineering student and practicing engineer of today is expected to have access to and a working knowledge of engineering computer tools. Engineering education must evolve accordingly. Most practical problems cannot be solved by a sequential set of calculations accomplished using a pencil and hand calculator. Engineers must have the ability to solve problems using the powerful computational tools that are available and essential for design, parametric study and optimization of real world systems.

Integrating the study of heat transfer with computer tools does not diminish the depth of understanding of the underlying physics. Conversely, our experience indicates that the innate understanding of the subject matter can be greatly enhanced by appropriate use of these tools for several reasons. First, these tools allow the student to tackle practical and relevant problems as opposed to comparatively simple problems which are designed to allow a simple and sequential solution. These real-world problems are more satisfying to the student. Therefore, the marriage of computer tools with theory motivates students to understand the governing physics as well as learn how to apply the computer tools when solving practical problems. The use of these tools allows for coverage of more advanced material and more interesting and relevant problems. When a solution is obtained, students can carry out a more extensive investigation of its behavior; by varying the input parameters and investigating the result it is possible to understand the underlying physics more completely. To facilitate this shift of focus, many of the tables and charts that have traditionally been required to solve heat transfer problems (for example, to determine properties, view factors, shape factors, etc.) have been integrated into EES so that they can be accessed quickly and accurately.

This book integrates the computational software packages Maple, MATLAB, EES, and FEHT directly with the heat transfer material. The specific commands and output associated with these software packages are presented as the theory is developed so that the integration is seamless rather than separated. These computer packages share some important characteristics. They are used in industry and have existed for more than a decade; while this software will certainly continue to evolve, it is not likely to disappear. Educational versions of these software packages are available and therefore the use of these tools should not represent an economic hardship to any academic institution or student. Finally, these tools are easy to learn and use. Students can become proficient (at least at the level required by this book) with all of them in a reasonable amount of time; learning the computer tools will therefore not detract significantly from material coverage. To facilitate this process, tutorials for each of these software packages are provided in the appendices of this book in order to allow the student to get started using these tools. The book itself is structured so that more advanced features of the software are introduced progressively, allowing students to become more proficient using these tools as they progress through the text.

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