By studying the integrated governing equations for mixed convection in a vertical pipe heated with constant wall heat flux, several concepts (or misconcepts) regarding convection mode and flow regimes are examined. A new alternative definition of convection mode reflecting the force balance in mixed convection is given. A new parameter, m (M), is introduced to quantatively characterize various regimes for mixed convection. Two specific cases for laminar and turbulent air flow with Re = 500 and 5000 respectively are studied numerically in detail. Typical behavior of m (M) for each case and other associated hydraulic characteristics of mixed convection are illustrated and discussed.

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