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

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the heat transfer dynamics in a pipe embedded in a cement block, specifically regarding the impact of mass flow rates on heat transfer efficiency. The original model utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simplify the scenario, assuming negligible temperature change in the fluid. However, a physics teacher argued that increased mass flow rates enhance heat transfer due to greater temperature differentials, contradicting the initial assumption of constant pipe temperature. The conclusion is that faster flow rates do indeed increase heat flux from the pipe to the surrounding concrete.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
  • Knowledge of heat transfer principles, particularly conduction and convection
  • Familiarity with mass flow rate concepts in fluid mechanics
  • Basic physics of temperature differentials and their effect on heat transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced computational fluid dynamics techniques for heat transfer modeling
  • Study the principles of heat transfer in fluids, focusing on convection and conduction
  • Explore the relationship between mass flow rates and heat transfer efficiency in various materials
  • Learn about temperature differential calculations and their implications for thermal systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers involved in thermal system design, and researchers focusing on heat transfer applications in fluid dynamics.

KevinMilo
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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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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.
 

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