The mode of heat transfer through a moving fluid medium is called convection. Convection involves the transfer of heat by the bulk movement of fluid molecules, such as in liquids or gases. This process combines heat transfer due to molecular diffusion and the macroscopic motion of the fluid itself. When a fluid moves, it carries thermal energy with it, transferring heat between surfaces and within the fluid
. There are two main types of convection:
- Natural (or free) convection: Fluid motion is caused by buoyancy forces due to density differences arising from temperature variations within the fluid. For example, warmer, less dense fluid rises while cooler, denser fluid sinks, creating a circulation that transfers heat
- Forced convection: Fluid motion is induced by external means such as pumps, fans, or stirring devices, which force the fluid to flow over surfaces and enhance heat transfer
In summary, heat transfer through a moving fluid medium is called convection, which can be natural or forced depending on the cause of fluid motion
