Heat Transfer Course | IIT Bombay Chemical Engineering | Prof. Ganesh Viswanathan
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 230 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering, Minor 1 in Chemical, Energy Systems |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals of Heat Transfer with IIT Bombay
Heat transfer is a cornerstone of chemical, petrochemical, power, and pharmaceutical industries. From designing efficient reactors to optimizing energy systems, a deep understanding of how heat moves is crucial for any engineer. This comprehensive 12-week course, led by Prof. Ganesh Viswanathan from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), offers a rigorous exploration of heat transfer principles, perfectly tailored for undergraduate students and professionals seeking a refresher.
Course Instructor: Learn from an Expert
Prof. Ganesh Viswanathan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Bombay. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and postdoctoral research experience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, he brings a wealth of knowledge in systems biology and nonlinear dynamics. His expertise ensures the course blends fundamental theory with practical engineering insights. Learn more about his research at the IIT Bombay Chemical Engineering faculty page.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a broad audience:
- Undergraduate & Graduate Students in Chemical and Mechanical Engineering.
- College Teachers looking for structured content.
- Process Engineers in industry aiming to solidify their fundamentals.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Linear Algebra and Fluid Mechanics is recommended to fully grasp the course material.
Industry Relevance & Support
The principles taught in this course are directly applicable in major industries. The curriculum is supported by and relevant to leading companies like Reliance, HPCL, BPCL, RCF, and other chemical and petrochemical giants, ensuring you learn skills that are in high demand.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
Follow a structured journey from basic concepts to advanced applications.
Weeks 1-3: Conduction & Transient Analysis
- Week 1: Introduction, Energy Balance, 1D Steady-State Conduction, Thermal Resistance in composite walls.
- Week 2: Radial systems, Heat Generation, Introduction to Extended Surfaces (Fins).
- Week 3: Fins with varying cross-sections, 2D conduction, Transient analysis using Lumped Capacitance and full methods.
Weeks 4-7: Convection & Boundary Layer Theory
- Week 4: Introduction to Convection, Transport Coefficients, Momentum, Thermal & Concentration Boundary Layers.
- Week 5: Order of Magnitude Analysis, Reynolds & Chilton-Colburn Analogies, Introduction to Forced Convection.
- Weeks 6 & 7: In-depth study of Forced Convection over flat plates, cylinders, and inside pipes. Covers mixing-cup temperature, Log Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD), and practical correlations.
Weeks 8-9: Natural Convection & Phase Change
- Week 8: Fundamentals of Free/Natural Convection, analysis of a heated plate, Introduction to Boiling.
- Week 9: Condensation phenomena and Introduction to Thermal Radiation.
Weeks 10-11: Radiation Heat Transfer
- Covers blackbody radiation, spectral properties, Kirchoff’s Law, and the critical concept of View Factors.
- Teaches calculation methods for radiation exchange between diffuse, gray surfaces using enclosure theory and resistance networks.
Week 12: Heat Exchanger Design
- The course culminates in the practical design of heat exchangers, covering Parallel Flow, Shell & Tube types, the LMTD method, and the Epsilon-NTU method.
Recommended Textbook
The primary reference for this course is the seminal text: Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, 5th Edition by Incropera and DeWitt (Wiley). This book is an excellent companion for deeper study and problem-solving.
Enroll Today to Build Your Engineering Expertise
Whether you're a student building your core engineering knowledge or a professional engineer looking to strengthen your foundational skills, this Heat Transfer course from IIT Bombay provides an unparalleled learning experience. With clear explanations, systematic weekly modules, and real-world relevance, you'll gain the confidence to analyze, design, and optimize thermal systems. Start your journey to mastering heat transfer today.
Enroll Now →