Name:__________________________________________________

MENG 6392
Homework 2: Due 02/07

Q# Score Points
1 40
2 60
Total 100

FDM Application to Transient Heat Transfer Problems

Note: Use the given Matlab code in WTClass under (“Resources > Matlab Examples > FDM to Transient
1D problem_Explicit and Implicit Solutions”) with some modifications or write your own code to work on
the both homework problems. The figure/plot outputs of the code shall be included in your submission.

1. Construct a 1-D finite difference set of equations for transient heat conduction of a slab of thickness
0.1 m and diffusivity, α = 2.5 x 10-4 m2/s. The slab starts with a uniform initial temperature of 50 °C.
At the initial time, the left and right boundary temperatures are lowered to 0 °C and maintained at that
value. Using 21 grid points (nodes) to discretize the 0.1m thickness of the slab spatially, solve the
cooling of the slab for a duration of 2 seconds using explicit method for dt values of:
a) 0.02 s b) 0.05 s c) 0.06 s
and compare results of cases (a) and (b), in a single plot. Write your observation about each results.
(Note: Diffusivity is given by α = k/(ρcp)).

2. Consider a 0.12m thick wall with a thermal diffusivity, α = 1.5 x 10-6 m2/s. The temperature is
initially 85°C throughout. Right side of the wall is lowered to 20°C in an instant while the left side is
kept insulated (adiabatic boundary condition).
a) Using an explicit approach, with dx = 30 mm (5 nodes) and dt = 300 s, find the temperature
distribution at t = 45 minutes.
b) Using the same dt and dx, determine how long it takes for the temperature of the entire wall to
reach within ± 1°C of steady state. Repeat this calculation with a dt = 75 s and plot the
temperature history at each face and the mid-plane for each dt value.
c) Use implicit approach to determine the temperature distribution for 45 minutes and compare with
results found using explicit approach at the central node of the wall in the same plot.