What happens in an heat flow apparatus when you reduce the length of t

In summary, when reducing the length of the 2nd disk in a heat flow apparatus, the heat transfer will occur at a faster rate due to the decrease in distance. This will result in an increase in temperature for both the lower surface of the 2nd disk and the outflowing water, as more heat is transferred. This can be calculated using the same formula as before, with known values for the heat flow, length, area, and temperature difference.
  • #1
352554
2
0
What happens in an heat flow apparatus when you reduce the length of the disk?
The apparatus is this
1st level: A resistor to produce heat
2nd level: A metal disk with known thermal conductivity coefficient
3rd level: A metal disk with an unknown thermal conductivity coefficient
4th level: Flow of water for cooling
The device if insulated so all the heat (ideally) flow from the resistor through the disks to the water.
The disks carry 2 thermocouples each to measure temp difference at given distance for each
You use the 1st disk to calculate the heat flow (known length, area, coefficient, temp difference)
The heat flow in the 2nd disk is the same as the one in the 1st
You calculate 2nd disk's coefficient using the same formula (known heat flow, length, area, temp difference)

My question is: What happens if the 2nd disk's length (the one with the unknown coefficient) is reduced? Since Q= - λ A ΔΤ / d and λ, Α are definite constants, either ΔΤ or Q with change. My guess is both. The out temp of the will rise (will be closer to the in temp) AND the heat flow will be more (the heat will transfer faster)
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
In order to be more clear

Say that the resistor gives off a temp 50C (constant)
In the original case: Let it be that the lower surface of the 2nd disk has a 30C temp and the running water's temp increases by 2C (from 20C to 22C) while touching that lower surface

1st level: Resistor at 50C
2nd level: 1st disk
3rd level: 2nd disk's upper surface
3rd level: 2nd disk's lower surface at 30C
4th level: Water comes in at steady 20C
4th level: Water takes heat from the lower surface of the 2nd disk
4th level: Water comes out at 22C

HEAT_FLOW_CASE_A

In the case that the 2nd disk has reduced length and everything else is the same (resistor 50C 1st disk length unchanged, water comming at 20C)

1st level: Resistor at 50C
2nd level: 1st disk
3rd level: 2nd disk's upper surface
3rd level: 2nd disk's lower surface at TEMP_A
4th level: Water comes in at steady 20C
4th level: Water takes heat from the lower surface of the 2nd disk
4th level: Water comes out at TEMP_B

HEAT_FLOW_CASE_B

Questions

HEAT_FLOW_CASE_A < HEAT_FLOW_CASE_B

TEMP_A > 30C (disk's lower surface has increased temp)

TEMP_B > 22C (water coming out has increased temp)

Basically the heat will travel faster but also the lower surface of the 2nd disk will be hotter and that the water will remove more heat (also hotter)
 

1. What is a heat flow apparatus?

A heat flow apparatus is a scientific instrument used to measure the rate of heat transfer between two objects. It typically consists of a heated object, a cooler object, and a mechanism for measuring the temperature difference between the two objects.

2. How does a heat flow apparatus work?

A heat flow apparatus works by applying heat to one object and measuring the resulting temperature change in the other object. This allows scientists to calculate the rate of heat transfer between the two objects.

3. What happens when you reduce the length of the heat flow apparatus?

When you reduce the length of the heat flow apparatus, the distance between the two objects decreases. This typically results in a higher rate of heat transfer, as the shorter distance allows for more efficient heat transfer between the objects.

4. How does changing the length of the heat flow apparatus affect the results?

Changing the length of the heat flow apparatus can affect the results by altering the rate of heat transfer between the two objects. A shorter length may result in a higher rate of heat transfer, while a longer length may result in a lower rate of heat transfer.

5. Are there any limitations to using a heat flow apparatus?

While a heat flow apparatus is a useful tool for measuring heat transfer, there are some limitations to consider. It may not accurately represent real-world conditions, as it is a simplified model. Additionally, the accuracy of the results may be affected by factors such as the materials used and any external influences on the apparatus.

Similar threads

  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
6
Views
11K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
504
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
Back
Top