Effect of air flow on temperature inside box

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impact of air circulation on temperature measurements within an adiabatically sealed box containing a heat source, specifically a 10,000 watt light bulb. Participants agree that a fan circulating air inside the box can lead to lower temperature readings due to increased contact between the warmer air and the cooler walls of the box. This phenomenon suggests that air movement delays the heating process, as the circulating air is continuously exposed to the cooler surfaces, thereby affecting the overall thermal dynamics within the enclosure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, specifically heat transfer principles.
  • Familiarity with adiabatic processes and their implications in closed systems.
  • Knowledge of airflow dynamics and their effects on temperature distribution.
  • Experience with temperature measurement tools and techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of heat transfer in adiabatic systems.
  • Investigate the effects of forced convection on temperature measurement accuracy.
  • Explore methods for calculating heat loss through conduction in sealed environments.
  • Learn about experimental design for thermal experiments involving airflow and heat sources.
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, engineers, and students in the fields of thermodynamics, HVAC systems, and experimental physics who are interested in the effects of airflow on temperature dynamics in controlled environments.

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If I have a heat source on for a one hour period inside an adiabatically sealed box, such as a 10,000 watt light bulb turned on for an hour, and simultaneously I have a fan on that constantly circulates the air inside the box, would a temperature probe measure a lower temperature due to the circulating air then if the air was not circulating?

I am conducting a similar experiment and the temperature is not rising as it should. I suspect it is because of circulation of air inside the test box due to a fan.
 
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Seems to me like the fan forces the air to make contact with the walls, which are in contact with colder exterior air. So indeed, the inside air should take longer to heat than if it weren't moving at all. Seems to make sense. Of course, getting the numbers would be important to validate any explanation.
 

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