Heat Transfer - Massflow in a pipe vs pipe at constant T

In summary, the conversation discussed a physics project in university that looked at heat transfer in a pipe for snow melting. The speaker used computational fluid dynamics to model the project and simplified it by assuming that faster fluid flow would result in minimal temperature change. However, one of the physics teachers disagreed, stating that faster flow would lead to higher heat transfer. The speaker then questioned if this assumption could be made, as faster flow would keep the pipe temperature constant. The summary concludes that while faster flow would result in less temperature change, it would also lead to higher heat transfer according to the teacher.
  • #1
KevinMilo
1
0
Hi there,

Had a physics project in university that looked at the heat transfer of a pipe in a cement block for snow melting. When I modeled it using computational fluid dynamics, I just did a 2D model and simplified it by saying that the fluid would be moving fast enough through the pipe that the temperature change of the fluid in the circuit would be very small.

One of the physics teachers disagreed. He said that with faster mass flow rates that I'd get more heat transfer. Can you not make the assumption that if its moving fast enough to keep the temperature of the pipe constant, than faster flow rates won't increase the heat flux from the pipe to the concrete?

Thanks in advance! I'm sure this is a pretty easy question for most of you
 
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  • #2
Faster flow would mean the temperature change of the fluid would be less.

But, as your teacher stated, heat transfer which depends on temperature differences would be higher.
 

FAQ: Heat Transfer - Massflow in a pipe vs pipe at constant T

What is heat transfer?

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or system to another due to a difference in temperature.

What is massflow in a pipe?

Massflow in a pipe refers to the rate at which a fluid, such as water or gas, is flowing through a pipe. It is typically measured in units of mass per unit time, such as kilograms per second.

What is the difference between massflow in a pipe and a pipe at constant temperature?

The main difference is that in massflow, the fluid is constantly moving and transferring thermal energy, while in a pipe at constant temperature, there is no movement of the fluid and therefore no heat transfer. Massflow is also affected by factors such as pressure and flow rate, while a pipe at constant temperature is not.

How does heat transfer occur in a pipe?

Heat transfer in a pipe can occur through three mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between molecules, convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid, and radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

What factors affect heat transfer in a pipe?

The rate of heat transfer in a pipe is affected by several factors, including the temperature difference between the fluid and the pipe, the properties of the fluid (such as viscosity and thermal conductivity), the size and material of the pipe, and the flow rate of the fluid.

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