Thermal Conductivity Homework Statement: Solving for Steady State Heat Flow

In summary, the conversation discusses a rod with varying conductivity and temperature at each end. The goal is to determine the steady state heat flow, H, through the rod using the equation H= kA((t1-t2)/l). It is determined that the equation can be rewritten as H= A(k0+(x/R))(dT/dx). Integrating this equation allows for the determination of H.
  • #1
AirForceOne
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Homework Statement



Rod of cross sectional area A and length l has its left end held at constant temperature t1 and its right end held at t2<t1. If the conductivity varies with distance from the left end, x, according to the relationship k= x/R + k0 (R and k0 are positive), what is the steady state heat flow, H, through the rod.

Homework Equations



heat flow = kA*((t1-t2)/l)

The Attempt at a Solution



I've always had a hard time understanding what to integrate and what to take the derivative of. As far as I know, I need to integrate k from some x to some final x...
 
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  • #2
Consider a small element dx on the rod, corresponding to a change dT in temperature. Temperature T is a function of position x. We have:

[tex]H=\frac{dQ}{dt}=kA\frac{dT}{dx}=A(k_o+\frac{x}{R})\frac{dT}{dx}[/tex]

Therefore: [tex]\int^{T_2}_{T_1}AdT = \int^{L}_{0}H\frac{dx}{k_o +\frac{x}{R}}[/tex]

Now as H is constant, the above integrals can be solved, right? Then you can deduce H from that.
 
  • #3
Thanks a ton!
 

1. What is thermal conductivity?

Thermal conductivity is a measure of how well a material can transfer heat. It is the rate at which heat energy is transferred through a material per unit of temperature difference.

2. How is thermal conductivity measured?

Thermal conductivity is typically measured using a device called a thermal conductivity meter, which measures the temperature difference across a material and the amount of heat flowing through it.

3. What factors affect thermal conductivity?

The thermal conductivity of a material is affected by its composition, density, temperature, and any impurities or defects present. Materials with high thermal conductivity tend to have low resistance to heat flow.

4. How is steady state heat flow calculated?

In steady state heat flow, the temperature of a material remains constant over time. This can be calculated using the equation Q = kAΔT/L, where Q is the heat flow, k is the thermal conductivity, A is the cross-sectional area of the material, ΔT is the temperature difference across the material, and L is the thickness of the material.

5. What are some real-world applications of thermal conductivity?

Understanding thermal conductivity is important in many industries, such as building and construction, electronics, and materials science. It is used to design efficient insulation materials, improve heating and cooling systems, and develop more effective thermal barrier coatings. It is also essential in the study of heat transfer and thermodynamics.

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