Calculation of Thermal Conductivity

 Objective:
Measure the thermal conductivity of two materials ( Brass and aluminum sample)
using a heat conduction apparatus.
 Theory:
Fourier’s law of heat conduction states that the local heat flux is proportional to
the local temperature gradient. Fourier’s law can be written as:
Q̇ dT
q̇= =−k (1)
A dx
Where:
k: the constant of proportionality is the thermal conductivity, W/(m.°C)
Steady one-dimensional conduction along a bar with constant cross sectional
area (A) is shown in figure (1). If the temperatures (T 1 and T2) are known at two
locations spaced a distance L apart, Eq. 1 can be integrated to give the
conduction heat transfer rate:
(T 2−T 1)
Q̇=kA (2)
L

Figure 1: one dimensional heat conduction along a bar

 Apparatus:
Measurements will be made using the Cusson Thermal Conductivity Apparatus. A
schematic of the Cusson Apparatus is shown in figure 2. for illustration purposes
two test specimens (25 mm diameter bars) are shown clamped into the
apparatus. The specimens are heated electrically at the upper end and cooled at
the lower end by a flow of water. To reduce heat losses, an insulation jacket
surrounds the specimens.

Page
1
 The conduction heat transfer rate is calculated by measuring mass flow rate and
temperature rise of the cooling water supplied to the lower end of the bar. At
steady state conditions, the total heat transfer rate is:
Q̇= ṁ. c p .(T out −T ¿ ) (3)
Where:
ṁ: is the mass flow rate of the cooling water, the mass flow rate is measured
using a stop watch and scale beaker.
Cp: is the specific heat of liquid water.
Tin&Tout: the inlet temperature and outlet temperature of the cooling water are
measured using glass thermometers.
Steady state temperature measurements are made at the four locations shown
in figure 2 using type K thermocouples. Using these temperature and heat
transfer rate measurements, the thermal conductivity of each sample k Brass and
kAluminum can be calculated using equations presented above.

Figure 2: Schematic diagram of thermal conductivity apparatus

 Procedure:
Composite bar (Aluminum/Brass) measurement procedure:
i. Place the aluminum and brass specimens together in the apparatus, as
illustrated in figure 2 check that all four thermocouples are in place and cover
the apparatus with the insulating jacket.
ii. Turn on the cooling water supply and switch the heater to full power. Set the
flow rate of cooling water.
iii. Allow the apparatus come to steady-state. Monitor the specimen and cooling
water temperatures to confirm that steady conditions have been achieved.
iv. Once at steady-state, time the collection of the cooling water in the container
provided. Record the specimen temperatures (T 1 to T4), and the cooling water
temperatures (Tin, Tout). Scale the volume of water collected.
 Calculation:

Page
2
 Your lab report should include the following:
i. Using appropriately averaged cooling water temperature readings calculate
heat transfer rate through the composite bar using eq.3:
Q̇= ṁ. c p .(T out −T ¿ ) (3)
Plot the temperature distribution in the composite bar
ii. Calculate the thermal conductivity of the Aluminum and copper specimens
using eq.2:
(T 1−T 2 )
Q̇=k Brass A (2)
L
(T −T 3 )
Q̇=k Aluminum A 4 (2)
L
And compare the values to those published in the textbook. If differences exit,
discuss the most likely reasons in your report.

Page
3