Mathematical physics problem - heat conduction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a mathematical physics problem involving heat conduction in an iron sphere with a radioactive isotope. The sphere has a radius of 2 cm and the isotope is uniformly distributed in a thin layer at 1 cm, providing a constant heat output of 1 W. Participants emphasize the need to establish the governing equations for temperature within the sphere for regions r<1 cm and r>1 cm, while also addressing boundary conditions. The use of spherical Bessel functions is deemed unnecessary, indicating a simpler approach is viable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat conduction principles
  • Familiarity with spherical coordinates in mathematical physics
  • Knowledge of boundary value problems
  • Basic concepts of normalisation in mathematical equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the governing equations for heat conduction in spherical coordinates
  • Research boundary conditions applicable to heat conduction problems
  • Learn about normalisation techniques in mathematical physics
  • Explore simpler methods for solving heat conduction problems without spherical Bessel functions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, mathematical physicists, and engineers focusing on heat transfer and thermal analysis in spherical geometries.

asynja
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Homework Statement


There's a radioactive isotope placed inside an iron sphere (R=2cm), which acts as a source of constant heat (P=1W). The isotope is uniformly distributed over a very thin spherical layer (r=1cm). How much higher is temperature in the center of the sphere compared to temperature on sphere's surface, which is constant all the time?

Homework Equations


spherical bessel functions?

The Attempt at a Solution


u(r,t)=\SigmaA_{n}(j_{0}(k_{n}r)-n_{0}(k_{n}r)e^{-k^{2}_{n}tD}
I tried to divide problem in two parts: First we have spherical waves going inwards - that's to get the temp. in the centre; Then, we have spherical waves going outwards, where we know what temp. is at r=1cm and search for temp. at r=2cm. But I haven't been able to form the right equations. Also, I am lost at how to perform normalisation to get A_{n} . Can anyone help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Spherical bessel functions aren't necessary here; the problem is much simpler. What is the governing equation for temperature in the sphere for r&lt;1\,\mathrm{cm} and r&gt;1\,\mathrm{cm}, and what are the boundary conditions?
 

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