Forced convection

Forced convection caused by external mechanical action on a fluid. This creates pressure differences which cause a flow of the fluid. Such effects can be produced for example by pumps or fans.

With forced convection almost always occurs even natural convection which, however, in most technically relevant cases negligible in relation to the forced convection.

Examples

The forced convection is an effective means of heat supply and dissipation.

• When drying the hair with the hair dryer convection is forced by a fan.
• When the hot water circulating pumps for distribution of hot water provide in the remote components of the heating system.
• Cooling of computer processors with fans.

Other examples:

• The air jet produced in aircraft engines is forced convection.
• Even human interaction can involve forced convection. A swimmer glides through the water, causing currents to float around. The swimming strokes of the arms and legs lead to further overlapping currents.