Factors affecting heat exchange

[kateman]

Heat transfer is something I've been interested in since studying thermodynamics last semester, although during the course we never really covered anything much to do with what affected heat transfer. I can pretty easily understand that obviously having a higher surface area to exchange across, temperature differentials and the time to which it is exposed will all affect the rate of transfer - but what else is there [if anything]?

Does what the material consists of or the shape of the material [other than to maximise contact with the thermal body] affect it?

Thanks for any insight =)

 

[Mapes]

You can divide the variables into three areas: the material properties, the material geometry, and the driving force (the temperature difference). Sure, the material's thermal conductivity, density, specific heat capacity, and geometry, among others, could all play a part in the results.

 

[kateman]

is there anything you'd recommend for me to read to find out about all the known factors that affect heat transferance?

and thanks for your reply =)

 

[Mapes]

Take a look at Incropera and DeWitt's Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer. It's a textbook that's clear and useful enough to also serve as a handbook.

 

[kateman]

Thanks Mapes, i'll look into it!