Calculating Heat Transfer Through Sandwich Materials

In summary, the conversation discusses the problem of calculating heat transfer through a sandwiched arrangement of materials, including a pneumatic cylinder, stainless steel rod, aluminum block, polyurethane block, and copper block. The goal is to estimate the temperature of the cylinder rod, but this would require more information and assumptions. It may be easier to build the arrangement and measure the temperature. Moving the discussion to an engineering forum is also suggested.
  • #1
Buns_of_Steel
4
0
Hi,

I'm looking for some help regarding heat transfer through some sandwiched materials.

We have a pneumatic cylinder with the stainless steel 303 cylinder rod attached to a block of aluminium 6082 t6 50mm high x 40mm wide x 10mm deep. This block is attached to a block of polyurethane, shore a70 70mm high x 40mm wide x 10mm deep which is then attached to a block of copper c101 70mm high x 40mm wide x 30mm deep. The copper block is heated to a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius. A cross section of the layout is shown below.

What we want to do is treat the arrangement as simply as possible i.e. ignoring the fasteners, holes etc and calculate the heat transfer through the copper, polyurethane, aluminium and into the cylinder rod and get a rough idea of what the temperature will be in the cylinder rod would be.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to where to start with this.

If anyone could help with a basic procedure of how to tackle this problem and what the relevant equations are it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

David
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  • #2
Unless the rod can transfer heat to the cylinder, and the cylinder to the ambient air, the rod (and the other components) will heat up until it all reaches the temperature of the copper block. You'd need a lot more information to predict the rod temperature, and that would be assuming a steady-state condition. If the copper block temperature varies in time, the problem is even harder to solve. It might be faster to build one and measure the temperature.

Either way, this one should be moved to the engineering sub-forum.
 
  • #3
You would need to know the thermal resistance between the piston/rod and ambient via the cylinder. I agree easier to build it and measure.
 

1. What is heat transfer and why is it important?

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object to another. It is important because it allows us to control the temperature of our surroundings and is essential for many industrial processes and technologies.

2. How is heat transfer calculated through sandwich materials?

The heat transfer through sandwich materials can be calculated using the equation Q = kA(T1-T2)/d, where Q is the amount of heat transferred, k is the thermal conductivity of the material, A is the surface area, T1 and T2 are the temperatures on either side of the material, and d is the thickness of the material.

3. What factors affect the heat transfer through sandwich materials?

The thermal conductivity, thickness, and surface area of the material are the main factors that affect heat transfer. Additionally, the temperature difference between the two sides of the material, as well as any external factors such as wind or insulation, can also impact heat transfer.

4. How do different sandwich materials compare in terms of heat transfer?

The thermal conductivity of a material is the key factor in determining its heat transfer capabilities. Materials with higher thermal conductivity, such as metals, will transfer heat more quickly than materials with lower thermal conductivity, such as plastics. Additionally, the thickness and surface area of the material will also affect heat transfer.

5. Can heat transfer through sandwich materials be improved?

Yes, there are several ways to improve heat transfer through sandwich materials. One way is to increase the thermal conductivity of the material by using materials with higher conductivity or adding layers of materials with different conductivities. Another way is to reduce the thickness of the material or increase the surface area to allow for more heat transfer. Additionally, proper insulation and reducing temperature differences can also improve heat transfer efficiency.

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