How to Calculate Internal Air Temperature in a Steel Box?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 8K views
CruiserFJ62
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
I have a heat source inside a steel box. I know the outside ambient air temp and the amount of heat the source puts of. How do I calculate the internal air temp of the box?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use the basic relation: Q = Delta Temperature / RT

Q = Heat Flow
Delta Temperature = Temperature (inside box) - Temperature (outside box)
Thermal Resistance = convenction and conduction resistance

Now, the inside of the box will get hot enough (increase in temperature) to get the energy of the heat source out so

Q = heat flow = heat source

Your thermal resistance will be mostly from natural convection inside and outside the box.