Heat Transfer: Calculating heat transfer rate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating heat transfer rates in different thermal domains, specifically focusing on a homework problem involving insulated and non-insulated surfaces. Participants explore numerical solutions and thermal resistance concepts in the context of heat transfer through materials.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The initial poster presents a problem involving two thermal domains with different insulation configurations and seeks help in calculating the heat transfer rate for each case.
  • One participant suggests using numerical solutions to estimate temperature gradients and calculate heat flux variations along the top surface of the domain.
  • The initial poster confirms they have calculated different heat transfer rates for the two domains and notes convergence in results with varying grid resolutions.
  • Another participant introduces a separate problem regarding the insulation of a wall with wood and concrete, seeking to determine the minimum heat leak based on material properties and thickness constraints.
  • A later reply advises the participant with the wall insulation problem to start a separate post for clarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to solving the initial heat transfer problem, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the second problem about wall insulation, as it is suggested to be addressed separately.

Contextual Notes

The initial problem involves complexities related to the half-insulated base, and the second problem introduces additional variables regarding material placement and thermal resistance that are not fully resolved.

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Homework Statement


Given the two domains pictured below, calculate the heat transfer rate (Q [W]) for each case.
http://img6.imagebanana.com/img/83fe4j54/Selection_001.png

The domain on the left is insulated on the left, right, and right half of the bottom side, while the domain on the right is only insulated on the left and right sides. The domain on the left has the left half of the bottom side held at constant Tc and the domain on the right has the entire bottom side held at Tc. Both domains have the top surfaces held at Th.

Homework Equations


Q=-\frac{kA}{L}\Delta{T}

The Attempt at a Solution


I've solved for the temperature distributions numerically; however, I don't know how to calculate the heat transfer rate for the left scenario.

I believe the domain on the right would simply be:
Q=-\frac{kA}{L}(Th-Tc)

But I am not sure how to treat the domain on the left because of the half-insulated base. Any help/hints would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
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If you have the numerical solution, use the first two rows of grid points at the top to estimate the temperature gradient variation at the top. Multiply by the thermal conductivity k to get the heat flux variation along the top. Add up all the heat fluxes time the incremental widths along the top the get the overall heat flow rate.
 
Chestermiller,

Thank you for your reply. The answer is so obvious one you explained it. I've calculated the two heat transfer rates and they are definitely different (good). I also checked their dependencies on grid resolution and they always converge to the same numbers (good).

Thanks very much for your help.
 
Hi

I am trying to solve one problem:

A wall is required to be insulated by embedding wood within concrete. the total thickness of the concrete and wood are 10cm and 1 cm respectively and are fixed due to structural constraints. determine the minimum heat leak into the room if the location of the wood can be changed within the concrete. Take K for wood as 0.1w/mk and for concrete 1.0w/mkI tried solving using thermal resistance concept by equating derivative of the total thermal resistance to 0, but not able to get the answer.

Please help.
 
onquest said:
Hi

I am trying to solve one problem:

A wall is required to be insulated by embedding wood within concrete. the total thickness of the concrete and wood are 10cm and 1 cm respectively and are fixed due to structural constraints. determine the minimum heat leak into the room if the location of the wood can be changed within the concrete. Take K for wood as 0.1w/mk and for concrete 1.0w/mk


I tried solving using thermal resistance concept by equating derivative of the total thermal resistance to 0, but not able to get the answer.

Please help.

You should start a separate post for this problem.
 

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