Thermal Conductivity Homework Statement: Solving for Steady State Heat Flow

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the steady state heat flow, H, through a rod with a varying thermal conductivity defined by the equation k = x/R + k0. The heat flow is expressed using the formula H = kA((t1 - t2)/l), where A is the cross-sectional area and l is the length of the rod. The solution involves integrating the temperature differential across the rod, leading to the equation ∫(T2 to T1) AdT = ∫(L to 0) H(dx/(k0 + x/R)). The conclusion is that H remains constant, allowing for the integrals to be solved to deduce its value.

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Homework Statement



Rod of cross sectional area A and length l has its left end held at constant temperature t1 and its right end held at t2<t1. If the conductivity varies with distance from the left end, x, according to the relationship k= x/R + k0 (R and k0 are positive), what is the steady state heat flow, H, through the rod.

Homework Equations



heat flow = kA*((t1-t2)/l)

The Attempt at a Solution



I've always had a hard time understanding what to integrate and what to take the derivative of. As far as I know, I need to integrate k from some x to some final x...
 
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Consider a small element dx on the rod, corresponding to a change dT in temperature. Temperature T is a function of position x. We have:

[tex]H=\frac{dQ}{dt}=kA\frac{dT}{dx}=A(k_o+\frac{x}{R})\frac{dT}{dx}[/tex]

Therefore: [tex]\int^{T_2}_{T_1}AdT = \int^{L}_{0}H\frac{dx}{k_o +\frac{x}{R}}[/tex]

Now as H is constant, the above integrals can be solved, right? Then you can deduce H from that.
 
Thanks a ton!
 

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