Velocity and Thermal Boundary Layers — Lesson 2

A good understanding of the concept of boundary layers is the key to unlocking convection heat transfer. Boundary layers are thin regions near the wall where viscous effects are dominant. For such viscous fluids, there are two different types of boundary layers — the hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer. In this lesson, we will learn about the governing equations for these boundary layers and understand the importance of the boundary layer thickness in convection heat transfer. This lesson lays down the foundation for understanding heat transfer in both external and internal flows, such as flows over tube bundles, impinging jets for cooling and in heat exchangers.

Alternate video link.

Here are the accompanying handout slides for this lesson.