heat transfer coefficient

The heat transfer coefficient or film coefficient, in thermodynamics and in mechanics is the proportionality constant between the heat flux and the thermodynamic driving force for the flow of heat (i.e., the temperature difference, ΔT):

where:

q: amount of heat transferred (heat flux), W/m² i.e., thermal power per unit area, q = d/dA

h: heat transfer coefficient, W/(m²•K)

ΔT: difference in temperature between the solid surface and surrounding fluid area, K.