Heat conduction in nuclear reactor (introductory question)

1. Jan 26, 2007

*Alice*

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The elements of a boiling water nuclear reactor consist of long cylindrical rods of uranium dioxide (U02) of diameter 8mm surrounded by a thin layer of aluminium cladding. In the reactor core the elements are cooled by boiling water at 285°C with a heat transfer coefficient of 35kW/m^2K. If heat is generated uniformly within the rod at a rate of 760 MW/m^3, calculate the temperature of the cladding and the maximum temperature within the rod. The mean thermal conductivity of U=2 is 2.3 W/m K

2. Relevant equations

first part: model it as a slab with equation Q= h(T*-285) ?

second part : T-T* = (Q/4k)r^2

3. The attempt at a solution

first part: I just assumed that one can model the situation at the wall as a slab with very thin walls and using the equation above with the values of

h= 35kW/m^2K
and
Q=760 MW/m^3*2*pi*0.004 = 19.1 MW/m^3

does not give the required solution of 328°C. I don't really see what exactly is wrong with this calculation and would therefore appreciate if anyone could give me a hint.

second part: completely fine

thanks a lot

2. Jan 26, 2007

chanvincent

Hint:
First, you have to calculate the rate of heat gererated per unit length of the rod...
Then, calculate the rate of heat carry away by the water, (it depends on the temperature different between the rod and the water and the surface area)
At the equalibrium point, The heat generated is equal to the heat carry away.... set them equal to get the $$\Delta T$$

Last edited: Jan 26, 2007
3. Jan 27, 2007

*Alice*

Thanks a lot - I now have the answer!

Last edited: Jan 27, 2007
4. Jan 27, 2007

chanvincent

The Q on the LHS is the heat created per unit length,
but h*(T-285) is heat carry away per unit area

You have to multiple something on the RHS to make this equation works... can you tell me what you have missed?