Thermal Conductivity and Boundry Layer

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the melting time of ice using thermal conductivity principles. The thermal conductivity (k) of water is established at 0.1455 cal/sec/meter°C. The formula Q/t = k * A * ΔT / d is utilized, where A is the surface area and d is the boundary layer thickness. An experiment with 100 cc of ice in 1 liter of water at 30°C yielded a melting time of approximately 6 minutes, confirming the calculations based on the derived values of area and boundary layer thickness.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal conductivity and its units
  • Familiarity with the heat transfer equation Q/t = k * A * ΔT / d
  • Basic knowledge of boundary layer concepts in fluid dynamics
  • Experience with experimental data analysis and integration
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of varying boundary layer thickness on heat transfer rates
  • Explore advanced thermal conductivity measurements for different materials
  • Learn about the implications of surface area changes during phase transitions
  • Investigate the role of temperature gradients in melting processes
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Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and environmental science, particularly those focused on heat transfer and phase change phenomena.

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Thermal Conductivity , k , for water is .1455 cal/sec/ meter * C ( converted watts to cal/sec)
Q/t = k* A delta T/ d
A= area M2
d = thickness of water/ice boundary layer
Suppose I want to calculate time for 100 grams of ice to melt ( 8000 calories absorbed
from surroundings by conduction.
I have delta T and initial surface area of ice/water interface .
Two questions : What would be the boundary layer thickness. d
And in the case that the surface area, A, is decreasing as the ice melts is it correct to
use just the initial surface area in the calculation ?
My reasoning on the area is that it would actually be : Integral A(initial) - A(final) and
A(final ) = 0
 
Last edited:
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morrobay said:
Thermal Conductivity , k , for water is .1455 cal/sec/ meter * C ( converted watts to cal/sec)
Q/t = k* A delta T/ d
A= area M2
d = thickness of water/ice boundary layer
Suppose I want to calculate time for 100 grams of ice to melt ( 8000 calories absorbed
from surroundings by conduction.
I have delta T and initial surface area of ice/water interface .
Two questions : What would be the boundary layer thickness. d
And in the case that the surface area, A, is decreasing as the ice melts is it correct to
use just the initial surface area in the calculation ?
My reasoning on the area is that it would actually be : Integral A(initial) - A(final) and
A(final ) = 0

I just did this experiment with 100 cc ice in 1 liter water at 30 deg C , 30000 cal
so final temp 22000 cal /1100 gram water = 20 C , melting time was 6 minutes
In close agreement with Q/t = k*A delta T/ x
x = thickness of boundary layer between ice and water = .002 M
Reference Journal Physical Oceanography
A= surface area 100 cc ice cylinder = .01224 M^2
delta t = 30 deg
k, thermal conductivity water = .1455 cal/sec/Meter * Kelvin
So, Q/t = .1455 cal/sec/M*T ( 30 C) (.01224 M^2) / .002 M = 26.5 cal/sec
8000 cal/ 26.5cal/sec = 301 sec. = 5 min
 
Last edited:

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