Understanding unsteady state heat conduction

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around understanding one-dimensional unsteady state heat conduction, particularly in the context of programming a solution for two and three-dimensional structures. Participants explore the governing equations, boundary and initial conditions, and the theoretical background necessary for implementing a finite element approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks basic background information on unsteady state heat conduction, specifically the governing equations and conditions.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the media involved in heat conduction, the programming language, and whether a lumped mass approximation or a specific numerical method is being used.
  • The original poster clarifies that the media is solid, specifies the use of C++, and expresses interest in a finite element approach rather than exact code.
  • A participant recommends a specific book on the finite element method for heat transfer and offers to share a worked problem with a solution later.
  • One participant explains the basic concept of the finite element approach, describing how each element has mass and how heat flux is determined by conduction and boundary conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants are generally aligned in discussing the finite element method for heat conduction, but there are varying levels of detail and specificity regarding the approach and theoretical background needed. No consensus on specific methods or solutions has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined assumptions regarding boundary conditions or the specific nature of the heat conduction problem, which may affect the discussion. The scope is limited to solid media and does not address complexities that may arise with multiple media.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in programming heat conduction simulations, particularly those looking to understand the theoretical foundations of the finite element method in heat transfer.

dinaharchery
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Hello,

I am trying to understand one-dimensional unsteady state heat conduction for a program I am writing. The program will eventually be coded for two and three dimensional structures. Can anyone provide some basic background info./tutorial to understand the governing equation and boundary/initial conditions?

Thanks.:smile:
 
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You are a little vague. What is the media that the heat conduction is taking place in? Will there be multiple media, like a solid layer then a porous layer? What programming lanquage are you planning to use? Are you assuming a lumped mass approximation? (I am assuming that you aren't because you are writing a program.) Are you looking for a finite element approach or a finite difference approach?

The more you can tell us, the more we can help you.

Thanks
Matt
 
Sorry about being so vague.

The media is solid and there is only one. I am planning on using C++, no lumped mass matrix. I am looking for a Finite Element approach. Mainly I was looking for information on the theory, not necessarily an exact code since I would like to learn the process behind the algorithm(s).

Thanks.
 
Ok, thanks for additional information. Well the best write up I have come across for the finite element method involving heat transfer is here.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0534552986/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Buy the old version from 2001. It is much cheaper. I have most of the problems worked out. If you would like I can post a problem with the solution later this week.

Thanks
Matt
 
Last edited by a moderator:
As far as a finite-element approach, it's not too difficult to understand. Basically, each element has a mass. If the net heat flux is positive into the mass, then it heats up, and vice versa.

The heat flux for an internal element is conduction. For an external element, you can apply boundary conditions such as convection and radiation to determine heat transfer.
 

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