Calculating temperature change over time

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around predicting the temperature change over time of water in a system involving a heating source, an insulator, ice, and cold water. Participants explore theoretical and practical approaches to model heat transfer and temperature changes based on given parameters such as initial temperatures and material properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario involving a heating source and asks for methods to calculate the temperature change of water over time, providing specific parameters.
  • Another participant suggests researching "thermal resistances" and proposes modeling the materials as resistors to analyze heat flux, noting that calculating temperature as a function of time may be more complex.
  • A different participant advises starting with a sketch and assuming one-dimensional heat flux, recommending the use of heat transfer equations to formulate and solve linear equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on a specific method or approach to solve the problem, and multiple perspectives on how to tackle the calculations remain present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions behind the proposed models or the specific heat transfer equations to be used, leaving some steps unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in thermodynamics, heat transfer, or those seeking to understand temperature change calculations in thermal systems may find this discussion relevant.

Fancy Moses
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If I have a heating source that gives off constant single temperature heat which heats a mass of insulator, next to a mass of ice, next to a mass of cold water - how do I predict through calculation the temperature change over time of the water? I know the original temperatures, surface area, thickness of each mass, and the given temperature of the heating source (which is constant). Overall the goal is to change the masses/surface areas to achieve a certain end temperature for a given duration.

If you have any ideas it would be a real help!

Thanks
 
Last edited:
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Any response would be nice... anyone with some good background in thermodynamics possibly. Perhaps a "It's quite difficult to do" or "Here's where to start"

Anybody?
 
Do a google on "thermal resistances". You can model each piece or block as a resistor. You can then place them in parallel and find the total heat flux. The heat flux through any single piece is then equal to the total via continuity. You can find temperatures that way.

If you want it as a function of time though...it will be substantially more difficult.
 
Hi Fancy Moses,
You should start by making a neat sketch. Then assume a one dimensional(depends on the problem) heat flux, use heat transfer equations to formulate the linear equations, solve the linear equations.

Mind the bold text.
 
Thanks for the help!
 

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