where
*h = convection heat transfer coefficient
*G = mass flow rate of the fluid
* ρ = density of the fluid
*c = specific heat of the fluid
*u = velocity of the fluid
It can also be represented in terms of the fluid's Nusselt, Reynolds, and Prandtl numbers:
where
* Nu is the Nusselt number;
* Re is the Reynolds number;
* Pr is the Prandtl number.
The Stanton number arises in the consideration of the geometric similarity of the momentum boundary layer and the thermal boundary layer, where it can be used to express a relationship between the shear force at the wall (due to viscous drag) and the total heat transfer at the wall (due to thermal diffusivity).