Finite Difference Method for Simple Heat Transfer using Matlab

I. Introduction
One of the primary concerns in the food processing industry as well as in
machinery, is heat transfer. The finite difference approach is one way to evaluate
and solve the heat transfer equation in different geometries. Approximation is used
to do this, substituting out partial derivatives for finite differences. In the domain, this
gives the value at each grid point. The discretized governing equation can be
expressed as a heat equation using the finite difference approach. This allows one
to determine how the system's temperature is distributed.
Given the various geometries and boundary conditions, numerical evaluation
of finite difference technique heat transfer problems can be challenging. However,
computational Fluid Dynamics solver makes heat transfer problems much easier
through properly defined boundary conditions, discretization, approximation, and
numerical analysis. MATLAB is a program with high Multiphysics capability. This
program makes it quick and easy to set up and solve complex computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) simulation models directly in MATLAB. In MATLAB, creating
complex flow simulations such as heat and mass transport, is much easier and
accurate. In this activity, we will be able to personally simulate and model a simple
heat transfer system using MATLAB. Such activity will help us enhance our coding
skills and be familiar to the simulating toolbars, which can be very common in the
field of Engineering.

II. Objectives
At the end of the activity, the students must be able to:

1. Research a heat transfer problem and provide a solution (algorithm) using

finite difference method and analyze/simulate the data in MATLAB.
2. Know how to use Matlab in presenting, modeling and or simulating
Engineering problems which in this case is the simple heat transfer.

III. Materials and Methods

Material

1. Matlab Application
2. Online Resources

Methods

1. Research a Heat Transfer problem solution (algorithm) using finite difference

method and analyze/simulate the data in MATLAB.
2. Discuss the result, as for the data presentation refer in the figure below
IV. Results and Discussion

Given the problem, “Consider two-dimensional heat transfer in a

square cross-section (3cm x 3cm) with the prescribed temperatures at the
bottom, right, top, and left surfaces to be 100°C, 200°C, 300°C, and 500°C,
respectively. Using a uniform mesh size Δx = Δy, determine the finite
difference equations and the nodal temperatures with the Gauss-Seidal
iterative method.” Results are obtained using MATLAB.

0
 The plots above summarize the temperatures in each surface nodes of a plate in
different presentation. The first plot is a two-dimensional representation of the result,
plotted in lines. The second plot is a color gradient bar. While the third plot is a three-
dimensional representation with x, y and z labels as well as color gradient that shows
the heat transfer on every node of the plate.
As shown on every plot, the temperature on the left surface, with 500 °C is higher
(represented in yellow shade) and smoothly transitions to blue as it reaches the right
side of the plate, which has a temperature of 200°C. The bottom part of the plate
depicts a darker shade of blue since it is given with the lowest temperature. We can,
therefore conclude that the source of heat is positioned at the left part of the plate and
heat is transferred all through the plate.
V. Conclusion
Traditional method of solving a material’s heat transfer system is very
complicated, time consuming and much prone to human-calculating errors. A
typical programmatic workflow application, such as MATLAB, makes heat
transfer problems easier to solve. MATLAB is a high-performing technical
computing language which combines computation, visualization, and
programming with issues and answers portrayed in a conventional mathematical
and user-friendly interface. MATLAB makes it simple to explore data, analyze it,
and visualize graphics for use in research and engineering. Overall, using
MATLAB makes it relatively simple to comprehend in any fields of engineering
and apply it. Thus, aspiring engineers must be familiar with these kinds of
simulating applications for a more productive and efficient technical works in the
future.
VI. Citation

All steady-state thermal models. Steady-state thermal solution and derived quantities -
MATLAB. (n.d.).from
https://www.mathworks.com/help/pde/ug/pde.steadystatethermalresults.html
Anonymous. (2021, September 19). Consider Steady Two-dimensional heat transfer in
a square...get 4. Consider steady two-dimensional heat transfer in a square...get
4.from https://www.quesba.com/questions/consider-steady-two-dimensional-
heat-transfer-square-cross-section-3-cm-x-3-286016
Simulation of the heat exchangers dynamics in matlab&simulink. (n.d.).from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/229043374_Simulation_of_the_heat_e
xchangers_dynamics_in_MATLABSimulink
Simulation, P. (n.d.). MATLAB CFD Toolbox and solver for Fluid Mechanics. FEATool
Multiphysics. https://www.featool.com/cfd-toolbox/

VII Appendices

(Attach at least three pictures doing the laboratory exercise, a picture

with proper caption).