NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, WARANGAL

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ME 351 - HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER

PART 5 – UNSTEADY HEAT CONDUCTION

3rd Year, 2nd Sem, B.Tech. – Section B

Dr. CHANDRAMOHAN V.P.
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engg., NIT Warangal
 PART 5 – UNSTEADY HEAT CONDUCTION
Introduction:
 We began with the simple case of 1D, steady-state conduction with no internal
generation.

 We have not yet considered situations for which conditions change with time.

 We now recognize that many heat transfer problems are time dependent.

 Such unsteady, or transient, problems typically arise when the boundary

conditions of a system are changed.

 For example, if the surface temperature of a system is altered, the

temperature at each point in the system will also begin to change.
 The changes will continue to occur until a steadystate is reached.
 Consider a hot metal billet that is removed from a furnace and exposed to a
cool airstream.
 Energy is transferred by convection and radiation from its surface to the
surroundings.
 Energy transfer by conduction also occurs from the interior of the metal to the
surface, and the temperature at each point in the billet decreases until a
steady-state condition is reached. Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
Objective:
 To develop procedures for determining the time dependence of the temperature
distribution within a solid during a transient process,
 To determine heat transfer between the solid and its surroundings.

The nature of the procedure depends on assumptions that may be made for the
process.

Lumped capacitance method

 If, for example, a hot ball is removed from furnace and exposed in a cool air/water
stream.
 The temperature gradients within the solid may be neglected, a comparatively
simple approach, termed the lumped capacitance method, may be used to
determine the variation of temperature with time.
Finite solids:
 Under conditions for which temperature gradients are not negligible, but heat
transfer within the solid is 1D, exact solutions to the heat equation may be used to
compute the dependence of temperature on both location and time.
 Such solutions are considered for finite solids (plane walls, long cylinders and
spheres.
Semi-infinite solids:
 Presents the transient thermal response of a variety of objects subject to a step
change in either surface temperature or surface heat flux.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 The Lumped Capacitance Method
 A solid experiences a sudden
change in its thermal environment.
 Consider a hot metal forging that is
initially at a uniform temperature Ti
and is quenched by immersing it in a
liquid of lower temperature T∞ < Ti .

 If the quenching is said to begin at time t = 0, the temperature of the solid will
decrease for time t > 0, until it eventually reaches T∞.

 This reduction is due to convection heat transfer at the solid–liquid interface.

 The essence of the lumped capacitance method is the assumption that the
temperature of the solid is spatially uniform at any instant (iso-thermal
condition) during the transient process.

 This assumption implies that temperature gradients within the solid are
negligible.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 From Fourier’s law, heat conduction in the absence of a temperature gradient
implies the existence of infinite thermal conductivity.
 Such a condition is clearly impossible. However, the condition is closely
approximated if the resistance to conduction within the solid is small
compared with the resistance to heat transfer between the solid and its
surroundings.

 In neglecting temperature gradients within the solid, we can no longer

consider the problem from within the framework of the heat equation.

 Instead, the transient temperature response is determined by formulating an

overall energy balance on the entire solid.

 This balance must relate the rate of heat loss at the surface to the rate of
change of the internal energy.

(5.1)

(5.2)
Take the temperature difference
(5.3)
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 dθ/dt = dT/dt, if T∞ is constant (5.4)

Apply Eqs. (5.4) and (5.3) in (5.2), therefore,

(5.5)

Separating the variables and integrating with the limit of time = 0 to t, and Ti (temp T
at t = 0 s) to T, therefore,

Where, (5.6)

After integrating, (5.7)

(5.8)

Eq. (5.7) used to determine the time required for the solid to reach some temp. T,
Eq. (5.8) used to compute the temperature reached by the solid at some time t.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 The foregoing results indicate that the difference between the solid and fluid
temperatures must decay exponentially to zero as t approaches infinity (e-∞ = 0).

(5.8)

From Eq. (5.8) it is also evident that the

quantity (ρVc/hAs) may be interpreted
as a thermal time constant expressed as

(5.9)

To determine the total energy transfer Q Transient temp response of

occurring up to some time t, lumped capacitance solids for
different thermal time constants τt
(5.10)

Substituting θ from Eq. (5.8) and integrate with the limits of time 0 to t, leads
(5.11)
Where, τ = -ρVc/hAs
For quenching, Q is positive and the solid experiences a decrease in energy. Eqs. (5.7) and (5.8) also apply
to situations where the solid is heated (θ < 0), in which case Q is negative and the internal energy of the
solid increases Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 Validity of the Lumped Capacitance Method
 It is certainly the simplest and most convenient method to solve transient heating
and cooling problems.
 Hence it is important to determine under what conditions it may be used with
reasonable accuracy.
 consider steady-state conduction through the
plane wall of area A.
 One surface is maintained at a temperature
 Ts,1 and the other surface is exposed to a fluid of
temperature T∞ < Ts,1.
 The temperature of this surface will be some
intermediate value Ts,2, for which T ∞ < Ts,2 < Ts,1.
 Hence under steady-state conditions the surface Effect of Biot number on steady-
state temp distribution in a plane
energy balance, wall with surface convection.

(5.12)
Rearranging,

(5.13)

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 Biot number
 The quantity (hL/k) appearing in Eq. (5.13) is a dimensionless parameter,
termed the Biot number, and it plays a fundamental role in conduction
problems that involve surface convection effects.

 Biot number provides a measure of the temperature drop in the solid relative
to the temperature difference between the solid’s surface and the fluid.

 Biot number may be interpreted as a ratio of thermal resistances.

 In particular, if Bi << 1, the resistance to conduction within the solid is much

less (means conductivity is infinitive) than the resistance to convection
across the fluid boundary layer.

 Hence, the assumption of a uniform temperature distribution within the solid

is reasonable if the Biot number is small.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

Transient temperature
distributions for different Biot
numbers in a plane wall
symmetrically cooled by
convection.

 Reconsider the Biot number to transient conduction problems.

 Consider the plane wall, which is initially at a uniform temperature Ti and
experiences convection cooling when it is immersed in a fluid of T∞ < Ti.
 The problem is treated as 1D in x, and we are interested in the temperature
variation with position and time, T(x, t).
 This variation is a strong function of the Biot number.
 The three conditions are,
 For Bi << 1 (Or, Bi < 0.1) the temperature gradients in the solid are small and
the assumption of a uniform temperature distribution, T(x, t) ≈ T(t) is reasonable.
Solid temperature remains uniform as it decreases to T with respect to time.
 For moderate to large values of the Bi (Bi ≈ 1), the temperature gradients
within the solid are significant. Hence T = T(x, t). (T distribn of drying prob)
 For Bi >> 1, the temperature difference across the solid is much larger than that
between the surface and the fluid. Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
  Lumped heat capacity method’s inherent simplicity renders it the preferred
method for solving transient heating and cooling problems.
 Hence, such a problems, the very first thing that one should do is calculate the
Biot number. If the following condition is satisfied,

(5.14)

Where, Lc is the characteristic length = V / As.

 For a plane wall of thickness 2L, then Lc = L
 For a long cylinder = r0 /2 and
 For a sphere = r0 /3

(5.15)

Or
(5.16)
Where, F0 is Fourier number,
It’s a dimensionless number, Fourier (5.17)
number is a measure of heat conducted
through a body relative to heat stored. Substituting Eq. (5.16) into (5.8), we obtain

(5.18)
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
EXAMPLE 5.1: A thermocouple junction, which may be approximated as a sphere,
is to be used for temperature measurement in a gas stream. The convection
coefficient between the junction surface and the gas is h 400 W/m2 K, and the
junction thermophysical properties are k = 20 W/m K, c = 400 J/kg K, and ρ =
8500 kg/m3. Determine the junction diameter needed for the thermocouple to have
a time constant of 1 s. If the junction is at 25 °C and is placed in a gas stream that
is at 200 °C, how long will it take for the junction to reach 199 °C?
Assumptions:
1. Temp of junction is uniform at any instant.
2. Radiation exchange with the surroundings
is negligible.
3. Losses by conduction through the leads
are negligible.
4. Constant properties.
Ans 1: Because the junction diameter is unknown, it is not possible to find the Bi and
choosing lumped capacitance method

Using Eq. (5.9) estimate the Diameter of the spherical ball,

(5.9)

Substitute, As = D2 and V = D3/6 for a sphere, therefore,

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 Therefore, r0 = D/2 = 3.53 x 10-4 m
Lc = r0 / 3, Now we can estimate Bi,

Ans 2: Accordingly, Eq. (5.14), If Bi << 1, then we can choose lumped capacitance
method with an excellent approximation.

From Eq. (5.7) (5.7)

Or

T = 5.2 s ≈ 5 τt
Therefore, such a probe is used for measuring the fluid temperature, we need to give
minimum 5 s to get stable reading with an accuracyChandramohan
of ± 1 °C.V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 EXAMPLE 5.2 (Predicting the Time of Death): A person is found dead at 5 PM
in a room whose temperature is 20°C. The temperature of the body is measured
to be 25°C when found, and the heat transfer coefficient is estimated to be 8
W/m2 °C. Modeling the body as a 30 cm diameter and 1.70 m long cylinder,
estimate the time of death of that person.

SOLUTION: A body is found while still warm. The time of death is to be estimated.

Assumptions :
 The body can be modeled as a 30 cm diameter and 1.70 m long cylinder.
 The thermal properties of the body and the heat transfer coefficient are constant.
 The radiation effects are negligible.
 The person was healthy(!) when he or she died with a body temperature of 37°C.

Properties: The average human body is 72 percent water by mass, and thus we
can assume the body to have the properties of water at the average temperature
of (37 + 25)/2 = 31°C; k = 0.617 W/m °C, ρ = 996 kg/m3, and Cp = 4178
J/kg °C (From HMT data book – page 13).
The characteristic length of the body is

Area of both end of cylinder (human body) Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
The Bi can be estimated as,

Therefore, lumped system analysis is not applicable. However, we can still use
it to get a “rough” estimate of the time of death. The exponent b in this case is

b = 1/τ = 2.79 x 10-5 s-1

Substitute these values into Eq. (5.8)

t = 43,860 s = 12.2 h

Therefore, as a rough estimate, the person died about 12 h before the body was
found, and thus the time of death is 5 AM. This example demonstrates how to
obtain “ball park” values using a simple analysis.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 TRANSIENT HEAT CONDUCTION IN LARGE PLANE WALLS, LONG
CYLINDERS AND SPHERES WITH SPATIAL EFFECTS
 In lumped heat analysis system, it is considered that the variation of temperature
within the body was negligible; i.e) bodies that remain nearly isothermal.

 Relatively small bodies of highly conductive materials approximate this behavior.

 In general, the temperature within a body will change from point to point as well as
with time.

 It is necessary to consider the variation of temperature with time and position.

 We should see how similar problems can be solved by the simplified 1-D problems
having with a large plane wall, a long cylinder and a sphere.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 Consider a plane wall of
thickness 2L, a long cylinder of
radius r0 and a sphere of radius r0
initially at a uniform temperature
Ti.
 At time t = 0, each geometry is
placed in a large medium that is
at a constant temperature T∞ and
kept in that medium for t > 0. Schematic of the simple geometries in which
heat transfer is 1-D.

 Heat transfer takes place between these bodies and their environments by
convection with a uniform and constant heat transfer coefficient h.

 Note that all three cases possess geometric and thermal symmetry: the plane
wall is symmetric about its center plane (x = 0), the cylinder is symmetric about
its centerline (r = 0) and the sphere is symmetric about its center point (r = 0).

 We neglect radiation heat transfer between these bodies and their surrounding
surfaces.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

  The variation of the temperature profile with time in the
plane wall is illustrated in Fig.
 When the wall is first exposed to the surrounding medium at
T∞ < Ti at t = 0, the entire wall is at its initial temperature Ti.
 But the wall temperature near the surfaces starts to drop as
a result of heat transfer from the wall to the surrounding
medium.

 This creates a temperature gradient in the wall and initiates heat conduction from
the inner parts of the wall toward its outer surfaces.

 Note that the temperature at the center of the wall remains at Ti until t = t2, and that
the temperature profile within the wall remains symmetric at all times about the
center plane.

 The temperature profile gets flatter and flatter as time passes as a result of heat
transfer, and eventually becomes uniform at T = T∞. That is, the wall reaches thermal
equilibrium with its surroundings.

 At that point, the heat transfer stops since there is no longer a temperature
difference. Similar discussions can be given for the long cylinder or sphere.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 The formulation of the problems for the determination of the 1-D transient
temp distribution T(x, t) in a wall results in a partial differential equation, which
can be solved using advanced mathematical techniques.

 The solution, however, normally involves infinite series, which are

inconvenient and time-consuming to evaluate.

 Therefore, there is clear motivation to present the solution in tabular or

graphical form. However, the solution involves the parameters x, L, t, k, α, h,
Ti, and T, which are too many to make any graphical presentation of the
results practical.

 Non-dimensionalization can be performed in order to reduce the number of

parameters, therefore, the problem by defining the following dimensionless
quantities:

Dimensionless temperature : θ(x, t) = [T(x, t) - T∞] / [Ti - T∞]

Dimensionless distance from the center :X=x/L
Dimensionless heat transfer coefficient : Bi (Biot number) = hL/k
Dimensionless time (Fourier number), : τ = αt/L2

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

The non-dimensionalization enables us to present the temperature in terms of
three parameters only: X, Bi and τ.

This makes it practical to present the solution in graphical form.

The dimensionless quantities defined above for a plane wall can also be used for a
cylinder or sphere by replacing the space variable x by r and the half-thickness L
by the outer radius r0.

Note that the characteristic length in the definition of the Biot number is taken to
be the half-thickness L for the plane wall, and the radius r0 for the long cylinder
and sphere instead of V/A used in lumped system analysis
The terms in the solutions converge rapidly with increasing time, and for τ > 0.2,
keeping the first term and neglecting all the remaining terms in the series results in an
error under 2 %.
We are usually interested in the solution for times with τ > 0.2, and thus it is very
convenient to express the solution using this one term approximation, given as

(5.19)

(5.20)

(5.21)
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 where the constants A1 and λ1 are functions of the Bi number, and their
values are listed in Heat and mass transfer data book against the Bi number for all
three geometries.
The function J0 is the zeroth-order Bessel function of the first kind.
Noting that cos (0) = J0(0) = 1 and the limit of (sin x)/x is also 1, these relations simplify
to the next ones at the center of a plane wall, cylinder, or sphere:

(5.22)

(5.23)

(5.24)

 Once the Bi number is known, the above relations can be used to determine the
temperature anywhere in the medium.
 The determination of the constants A1 and λ1 usually requires interpolation.
 The relations above are plotted and the one-term approximation solutions are
presented in graphical form, known as the transient temperature charts.
 The transient temperature charts for a large plane wall, long cylinder, and sphere
were presented by M. P. Heisler in 1947 and are called Heisler charts.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 Heisler charts for plane wall

It is used to determine the temperature T0 at the center of the geometry at a given

time t.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 Temperature distribution (from M. P. Heisler).
It is used to determine the temperature at other
locations at the same time in terms of T0.

Heat transfer (from

H. Gröber et al.).
It is used to determine
the total amount of
heat transfer up to the
time t.
These plots are valid
for τ > 0.2.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
Heisler charts for cylindrical wall

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

Heisler charts for spherical wall

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

The fraction of heat transfer can be determined from these relations, which are based
on the one-term approximations,

(5.25)

(5.26)

(5.27)

Limitations of Heisler/Gröber charts:

 The body is initially at a uniform temperature.

 The temperature of the medium surrounding the body and the convection heat
transfer coefficient are constant and uniform, and

 There is no energy generation in the body.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 EXAMPLE 5.3: An ordinary egg can be approximated as a 5-cm-diameter
sphere. The egg is initially at a uniform temperature of 5°C and is dropped into
boiling water at 95°C. Taking the convection heat transfer coefficient to be h
1200 W/m2 °C, determine how long it will take for the center of the egg to reach
70°C.
SOLUTION: The cooking time of the egg is to be determined.
Assumptions:
1 The egg is spherical in shape with a radius of r0 = 2.5 cm.
2 Heat conduction in the egg is 1-D because of thermal
symmetry about the midpoint.
3 The thermal properties of the egg and the heat transfer
coefficient are constant.
4 The Fourier number is τ > 0.2 so that the one-term
approximate solutions are applicable.
Properties:
The water content of eggs is about 74 percent, and thus the thermal conductivity and
diffusivity of eggs can be approximated by those of water at the average temperature
of (5 + 70)/2 = 37.5°C; k = 0.627 W/m °C and α = k/ρCp = 0.151 x 10-6 m2/s (Table A-9).

Analysis: The temperature within the egg varies with radial distance as well as
time, and the temperature at a specified location at a given time can be determined
from the Heisler charts or the one-term solutions.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 The Bi can be estimated from,

which is much greater than 0.1, and thus the lumped system analysis is not
applicable. The coefficients λ1 and A1 for a sphere corresponding to this Bi are,
from Table 4–1,

which is greater than 0.2, and thus the one-term solution is applicable with an
error of less than 2%. Then the cooking time is determined from the definition
of the Fourier number,

Therefore, it will take about 15 min for the center of the egg to be heated from
5°C to 70°C.

(Check the same problem through Heisler chart, HMT data book, page no: 72 – home work)
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 EXAMPLE 5.4: In a production facility, large brass plates of 4 cm thickness that are initially
at a uniform temperature of 20°C are heated by passing them through an oven that is
maintained at 500°C. The plates remain in the oven for a period of 7 min. Taking the
combined convection and radiation heat transfer coefficient to be h = 120 W/m2 °C,
determine the surface temperature of the plates when they come out of the oven.

SOLUTION: Large brass plates are heated in an oven. The

surface temperature of the plates leaving the oven is to be
determined.
Assumptions:
1 Heat conduction in the plate is 1-D since the plate
is large relative to its thickness and there is thermal
symmetry about the center plane.
2 The thermal properties of the plate and the heat transfer
coefficient are constant.
3 The Fourier number is τ > 0.2 so that the one-term
approximate solutions are applicable.
Properties: The properties of brass at room temperature are k = 110 W/m °C, ρ = 8530
kg/m3, Cp = 380 J/kg °C, and α = 33.9 x 10-6 m2/s (Table A-3).
Analysis: The temperature at a specified location at a given time can be determined
from the Heisler charts or one-term solutions. Here we will use the charts .
Noting that the half-thickness of the plate is, L = 0.02 m.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 T = T∞ + 0.455 (Ti - T∞) = 500 + 0.455(20 - 500) = 282°C

Therefore, the surface temperature of the plates will be 282°C when they leave the oven.
Discussion: We notice that the Biot number in this case is Bi = 1/45.8 = 0.022, which is
much less than 0.1. Therefore, we expect the lumped system analysis to be applicable.
This is also evident from (T - T∞)/(T0 - T∞) = 0.99, which indicates that the temperatures at
the center and the surface of the plate relative to the surrounding temperature are within
1 percent of each other.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

The heat transfer surface area of the plate is 2A, where A is the face area of the plate
(the plate transfers heat through both of its surfaces), and the volume of the plate is V
= (2L)A, where L is the half-thickness of the plate. The exponent b used in the lumped
system analysis is determined to be,

Then the temperature of the plate at t = 7 min = 420 s is determined from

T (t ) = 279°C

which is practically identical to the result obtained above using the Heisler
charts. Therefore, we can use lumped system analysis with confidence when the
Biot number is sufficiently small.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

 SEMI INFINITE SOLID
Introduction:
 A semi-infinite solid is an idealized body that has a single
plane surface and extends to infinity in all directions.

 Theoretically, it can be assumed that a solid which extends

in both the positive and negative y and z directions to
infinity and in the positive x direction to infinity.

There can be no such body in reality.

If one surface of a solid with a particular temperature distribution is suddenly
exposed to convection conditions or has its surface temperature changed
suddenly, conduction will produce a change in the temperature distribution
along the thickness of the body.
If this change does not reach the other side or surface of the solid under the
given time, then the solid may be modelled as semi infinite solid.
A thick slab with a low value of thermal diffusivity exposed to a different
environment on its surface can be treated as semi infinite body, provided heat
does not penetrate to the full depth in the time under consideration.
A road surface exposed to solar heat or chill winds can be cited as an example
of a semi infinite body.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
The differential equation applicable is the simplified general heat conduction equation:
in rectangular coordinates,

(5.28)

There are three types of boundary conditions for which solutions are available in a
simple form. These are
(i) at time τ = 0, the surface temp is changed and maintained at a specified value,
(ii) at time τ = 0, the surface exposed to convection at T∞ and
(iii) at time τ = 0, the surface is exposed to a constant heat flux q.

1) Surface temperature suddenly changed and maintained

at τ = 0, T(x, τ) = Ti, or T(x, 0) = Ti
For τ > 0, T(0, τ) = Ts i.e. at x = 0, T = Ts at all times.

The analytical solution for this case is given as,

(5.29)

where, erf indicates “error function of” and the definition of error function is
generally available in mathematical texts.
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
The heat flow at the surface at any time is obtained using Fourier’s equation –kA (dT/dx).
The surface heat flux at time τ is,

Using, (5.30)

Therefore,
(5.31)

The total heat flow during a given period can be obtained by integrating qs(τ) dτ
between the limits of 0 and τ

(5.32)

The heat flow at any section at a specified time is given by

(5.33)

Temperature distribution in semi

infinite solid whose surface is
suddenly raised and maintained at
Ts can be given as,
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
 Example 5.5: A thick concrete wall fairly large in size initially at 30°C suddenly has its
surface temperature increased to 600°C by an intense fire which lasted for 25 minutes.
The material will disintegrate upto a depth where the temp. reaches 400°C. Determine
the thickness which may disintegrate. The thermal diffusivity is 4.92 × 10–7 m2/s; k =
1.28 W/mK. Also determine the total heat flow/m2 during the time.

Solution: As it is mentioned that it is a thick wall, without any thickness dimension,

semi infinite solid model is applicable. Also the surface temperature is suddenly
increased and maintained at 600°C. Using Eq. (5.29)

(5.29)

Substituting the values,

Using tables of error function

Therefore,

The concrete will disintegrate to a depth of 17 mm.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
Using Eq. (5.32) we can estimate the total heat flow,
(5.32)

For 25 mins,

Q = 45.5 × 106 J/m2

2) The boundary condition more commonly met with is convective boundary

The initial and boundary conditions are: τ = 0, T (x, 0) = Ti

(5.34)

The temperature at any location and time is obtained as,

(5.35)

HMT data book, Page no: 59

As the equation is rather long, charts are available to calculate the temperature ratio
with parameters x/2 ατ , and hx/k (HMT data book, page: 61-63
Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
For surface temp. T0τ these equations can be simplified as,

(5.36)

(5.37)

Example 5.6: A concrete wall initially at 30°C is exposed to gases at 900°C with a
convective heat transfer coefficient of 85 W/m2K. The thermal diffusivity of the
material is 4.92 × 10–7 m2/s. The thermal conductivity of the material is 1.28 W/mK.
Determine the temperature of the surface and temperatures at 1 cm depth and also 5
cm depth after 1 hr. Also estimate the heat flow at the surface at the instant.

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal
3) semi infinite solid is exposure to uniform heat flux, q W/m2

(5.38)

(5.39)

An example for this is solar radiation being incident on a road surface or heating in a
radiation furnace
Example 5.7: Sunlight falls on a concrete wall starting from 10 am and the flux is 800
W/m2. The initial temperature was 30°C. Determine the surface temperature and the
temperature at a depth of 5 cm at 12 noon. Thermal diffusivity = 4.92 × 10–7 m2/s and
conductivity = 1.28 W/mK.
Solution: At the surface x = 0, using Eq. (5.39)

At x = 0.05 m,

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal

T = 47.92°C

Chandramohan V.P./Asst Prof./MED/NIT Warangal