Simulating heat transfer as a function of time between two bodies

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simulating heat transfer between two bodies with different thermal properties, specifically focusing on the interaction between their boundaries and the effects of thermal resistance. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical programming aspects of heat transfer modeling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand how Newton's law of cooling applies when two bodies with different thermal resistances exchange heat.
  • Another participant questions whether the objects are separated by an air or vacuum layer, which could affect the heat transfer mechanism.
  • A different participant assumes direct contact between the bodies and discusses conduction heat transfer, providing a formula for total heat flow based on thermal resistances.
  • A participant presents a specific problem involving two materials with different thermal conductivities and asks for help in determining the temperature difference at their contact point when their positions are exchanged.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus, as there are differing assumptions about the configuration of the bodies and the nature of heat transfer involved. The discussion includes both theoretical inquiries and practical problem-solving without a clear resolution.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the configuration of the bodies (e.g., direct contact versus separation) and the specific conditions under which heat transfer is analyzed. The mathematical steps in the heat transfer calculations are not fully resolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in heat transfer theory, programming simulations related to thermal dynamics, and those seeking to understand the implications of thermal resistance in practical applications.

Noone1982
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This is not homework, so I think this is the right forum. I am trying to write a program that simulates the heat transfer between, say two cubes of different volumes, heat capacities and thermal resistances.

I know Newton's law of cooling just works dandy for say an object cooling in a fixed environment. My questions include: how does this extend to two bodies exchanging heat between boundaries of different thermal resistances?
 
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Are the objects separated i.e. is there an air or vacuum layer between them?

Claude.
 
Well since u going to write a program about it i will assume there's nothing in betweent the bodies and they are directly connected, so the driving force is conduction heat transfer. Assuming that A and B have thermal conductivity of ka and kb respectively. Ta and Tb are wall temperatures at each extremity. Total heat flow Q= (Tb-Ta)/(Ra+Rb)
Ra= Thickness of transport area/(ka*Cross sectional area).
Check the pic
 

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diffferent temperature

2 different but equally thick materials with thermal conductivities 0.5 W / mK and 3 W / mK are positioned one after another. the outer temperature on the side of the better insulator is 2ºC and 25ºC on the outside of the sencond insulator. what is the difference in temperatures at the contact between two materials if we exchange the positions of the insulators?
can u help me in this question?
 
Patitu, you will probably have better luck if you post on the homework help forums.

Claude.
 

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