What Is This Tool?
This tool converts heat transfer coefficient values from calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C to watt/square meter/°C, allowing users to apply thermal data in standard SI units commonly used in engineering and scientific contexts.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value of the heat transfer coefficient in calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C
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Select the input and output units as calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C and watt/square meter/°C respectively
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Click convert to see the equivalent value expressed in watt/square meter/°C
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Use the converted value for engineering calculations or thermal analysis
Key Features
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Converts convective heat transfer coefficients between calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C and watt/square meter/°C
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Supports applications in heat exchanger design, HVAC, and building thermal performance
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Browser-based and easy to use with clear input and output format
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Helps ensure consistent thermal analysis by standardizing unit representation
Examples
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2 calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C equals 83736 watt/square meter/°C
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0.5 calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C equals 20934 watt/square meter/°C
Common Use Cases
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Specifying convective heat transfer coefficients in designs involving fluid flow over surfaces or inside pipes
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Calculating U-values to estimate heat loss through building envelopes for energy performance
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Performing HVAC heat-load calculations and sizing heat exchangers
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Reporting experimental convection measurements in laboratory thermal studies
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Analyzing thermal performance of building materials described in older technical literature
Tips & Best Practices
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Always verify you are converting temperature differences, not absolute temperatures
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Use this tool to update legacy calorie-based data to modern SI units for consistency
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Be mindful of the large numerical conversion factor to maintain accuracy in results
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Apply converted units carefully in engineering and scientific calculations for thermal analysis
Limitations
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The calorie (IT)-based unit is uncommon in current standards and mostly found in older data sets
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Conversion requires attention due to the substantial scaling factor involved
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Per degree Celsius and per Kelvin units are numerically similar for temperature differences but differ conceptually
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Care is needed when working with mixed temperature scales or absolute values
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is it important to convert from calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C to watt/square meter/°C?
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Converting to watt/square meter/°C allows for the use of heat transfer coefficients in standard SI units that are widely accepted in engineering and scientific calculations.
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Can this conversion be used for absolute temperature values?
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No, this conversion applies to temperature differences, as the units per degree Celsius and per Kelvin are equivalent only for temperature differences.
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Where is the calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C unit still used?
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This unit appears mainly in older technical literature and legacy experimental data related to convective heat transfer.
Key Terminology
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Calorie (IT)/second/square centimeter/°C
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A unit of convective heat transfer coefficient where one International-Table calorie is transferred per second per square centimeter per degree Celsius temperature difference.
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Watt/square meter/°C
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A heat transfer coefficient unit quantifying power transferred per square meter per degree Celsius temperature difference, commonly used for convective or overall thermal conductance.
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Heat Transfer Coefficient
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A measure of heat flux per unit area per unit temperature difference between a surface and surrounding fluid.