H2: Radial Heat Conduction Experiment

1. Objectives:

i. To measure the temperature distribution for steady state conduction of heat energy
through the wall of a thick cylinder (Radial energy flow) and demonstrate the effect
of a change in heat flow
ii. To understand the use of the Fourier Rate Equation in determining rate of heat flow
and using the equation to determine the constant of proportionality (the thermal
conductivity k) of the disc material.

2. Theory

When the inner and outer surfaces of thick walled cylinder are a uniform
temperature difference, heat flows radially through the cylinder wall. Due to symmetry,
any cylindrical surface concentric with the central axis of the tube has a constant
temperature (is isothermal) and the direction of heat flow is normal (at right angles) to the
surface. For continuity, the radial heat flow per unit length of tube through these isothermal
surfaces must remain steady. As eachsuccessive layer presents an increasing surface area
with radius the temperature gradient must decrease with radius

Figure 1.Radial conduction

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 Considering a plane section of flat surface, according to Fourier's law of heat
conduction:, If a plane section of thermal conductivity k, thickness  x and constant area
A maintains a temperature difference  T then the heat transfer rate per unit time Q by
conduction through the wall is found to be:

T
q  kA (1)
x

The negative sign follows thermodynamic convention in that heat transfer is

normally considered positive in the direction of temperature fall. Returning to the thick
walled cylinder, if an elemental thickness of dr is considered then the area of this length
of cylinder x can be
considered as 2  rL. The temperature gradient normal to the elemental thickness is
(dT/dr).
Applying Fourier's law to this elemental cylinder:

dT
q  k 2rL (2)
dr

Integrating equation 2 from r=Ri to Ro

2Lk o
T Ro
dr
q T 
 dT  (3)
i Ri
r

Solving equation (3) and rearranging, we will get for K, thermal conductivity of material
as

Ro
q ln(
)
Ri
k  (4)
2L(To  Ti )

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 3. Experimental

3.1.1 Description of set-up

The Radial Heat Conduction unit H 111B allows the basic laws of heat transfer by
conduction through a cylindrical solid to be investigated. The HIIIB is dependent upon the
Heat Transfer Service Unit H11 for heater power and temperature measurement.

Figure 2.Radial Heat conduction unit H111B

The heat transfer module comprises an insulated solid disc of brass (3.2mm thick x
ll0mm diameter) with a brass core (14mm diameter) and an electric heater at the center.
The brass disc is water cooled around its circumference. The central heater is nominally
rated at 100Watts (at 240 V AC) and an integral high temperature cut out (with automatic
reset) prevents overheating. Power is supplied to the heater from the Heat Transfer Service
Unit H11B via an 8-pole plug and lead. Six duplex thermocouples Tl, T2, T3,...T6 are
located at increasing radii from the heated center to record the temperature distribution
across the disc. The thermocouple sensing tips are located in drilled holes so that in each
case the measured point is the center of the disc thickness. Each thermocouple is fitted with
a miniature plug for direct connection to the Heat Transfer Service Unit H111 and an edge

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connector for use with HCIIIA Data Acquisition Upgrade. Water for the cooled
circumference is supplied from a local tap via the supplied hoses. The water flow rate is
adjusted by manual control of the supply tap. After cooling the disc, the water is allowed
to run to a drain via the outlet hose.

Figure 3. Heating arrangement in the unit

Useful Data

Radial Heat Conduction Unit H111B

Heated Disc
Material: Brass Outside diameter: 0.110 m
Diameter of heated brass core: 0.012 m
Thickness of disc: 0.004 m
Radial position of thermocouples from the center of heated brass:
T1=0.006 m
T2 =0.016 m
T3 =0.026 m
T4 =0.036 m
T5 =0.046 m
T6 =0.056 m

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Thermal conductivity of brass disc (From supplier specification) 121 W/mK

3.2.2 Experimental Procedure

 Ensure the cooling water is flowing and then set the heater voltage V to
approximately 100 volts. If however the local cooling water supply is at a high
temperature (25-35°C or more) then it may be necessary to increase the voltage
supplied to the heater. This will increase the temperature difference between the
hot center and cool circumference of the disc.
 Monitor temperatures T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 until stable.

 When the temperatures are stabilized record: T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, V, I
 Increase the heater voltage by approximately 40 volts and repeat the above
procedure again.
 Repeat it for another increase of 40 volts.

4. Report requirements

 Starting with general energy equation, formulate the problem of heat

transfer you studied (Come up with governing equation and boundary
conditions) .
Hint: Search general equation for radial coordinates in your Heat Transfer
text book.
 Plot steady state temperature for different applied heat.
 Calculate thermal conductivity of material using equation (4) and compare
with the one mentioned by supplier.
 Plot lnR (R-radial distance) vs. T and find thermal conductivity of brass
using slope of the graph (Hint: use equation 4).

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