Heat Transfer Problem: Finding Temperature Difference in Insulated System

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a heat transfer problem involving two bodies connected by a rod, where the bodies have different masses and specific heat capacities. The key equations used include the heat transfer equation dQ/dt = KAdT/dx and the heat capacity equation dQ = msdθ. The solution involves establishing two equations for the heat transfer affecting each mass and recognizing that the temperature profile in the rod is linear due to its negligible heat capacity. The final step is to solve these equations to find the temperature difference between the two bodies over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat transfer principles, specifically conduction.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity.
  • Knowledge of differential equations and their application in physical systems.
  • Ability to manipulate and solve algebraic equations related to thermal systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the heat conduction equation in detail.
  • Learn about the implications of thermal insulation in heat transfer problems.
  • Explore numerical methods for solving differential equations in thermal dynamics.
  • Investigate real-world applications of heat transfer principles in engineering.
USEFUL FOR

Students in thermodynamics, engineers working with thermal systems, and anyone interested in understanding heat transfer dynamics in insulated systems.

LHC_23
Messages
14
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two bodies of masses [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] and [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] and specific heat capacities [itex]s[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] and [itex]s[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] , are connected by a rod of length [itex]l[/itex] and cross-sectional area [itex]A[/itex], thermal conductivity [itex]K[/itex] and negligible heat capacity. The whole system is thermally insulated. At time [itex]t=0[/itex], the temperature of the first body is [itex]T[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] and the temperature of the second body is [itex]T[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] ([itex]T[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] [itex]>[/itex] [itex]T[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] ). Find the temperature difference between the bodies at time [itex]t[/itex].

Homework Equations


[itex]dQ/dt = KAdT/dx[/itex]

[itex]dQ = msdθ[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I was able to set up [itex]2[/itex] equations relating the amount of heat transferred through the rod in a time [itex]dt[/itex] to the rise and fall of temperatures of the masses [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] and [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] respectively. I don't know how to proceed after this ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since the heat capacity of the rod is neglected, the temperature profile in the rod is linear:

dT/dx = (T2-T1)/l

You need to write your second equation twice: once for m1 and once for m2.
Then you can simply solve the equations.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K