Conductive and convective transfer

The measure of difficulty encountered in the evaluation of conductive and convective heat transfer in a satellite, or in any space vehicle, was assessed. The need for realistic thermal simulation testing to assure confidence in calculation results is brought out. Conduction is defined according to kinetic theory, and a thermal model of satellite temperature is explained. Convection is then considered, especially as to heat transfer in a balloon-borne experiment. Both free convection and forced convection are covered. Results from various flow experiments are cited, and appropriate equations are presented.