QUESTION 1

a) The phenomenon of heat transfer occurring in a system during which the temperature
distribution fluctuates is referred to as transient heat transfer. As a function of time,
the temperature at various locations within the material fluctuates during transient heat
transfer. Meanwhile, when the temperature at every point in a system remains constant
throughout time, this is referred to as steady-state heat transfer. The temperature
distribution within the material remains constant throughout time in this state, showing
that the heat transport rates into and out of the material are balanced and stable.

b) A steel plate undergoes heat conduction when a temperature difference exists. Regions
of elevated temperature (proximity to the heat source) are inherently thermally warmer
than those further away (edges). The capacity of materials to conduct heat is
fundamentally determined by their thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity,
denoted as k, is a fundamental characteristic of a substance that measures its ability to
conduct heat. The metric unit of measurement for thermal conductivity is expressed as
Watts per meter-Kelvin (W/m.K). The thermal conductivity of the steel plate
determines the efficiency of heat transfer through the material in this instance. Steel
generally possesses a comparatively high thermal conductivity, signifying its ability to
conduct heat more efficiently in comparison to substances with lower conductivity.

c) A nodal network refers to a computer framework that represents a physical system by

discretizing it into distinct points or nodes, which are coupled to simulate and analyze
particular behaviours occurring inside the system. Dr. Lee's experiment involves the
utilisation of a nodal network, which consists of a grid of temperature sensors that are
systematically positioned at regular intervals over the steel plate. Every individual
sensor position function as a node, facilitating the observation and documentation of
temporal variations in temperature. A temperature distribution map across the plate is
generated by measuring the changing temperatures at these nodes. This network enables
the visualisation and investigation of heat propagation within a material, presenting
spatial temperature fluctuations and assisting in comprehending transitory heat transfer
events. The nodes function as representative locations where temperature data is
gathered, creating a comprehensive depiction of the evolving thermal distribution
 within the steel plate during the course of the experiment until the system reaches a
state of equilibrium.

d) Establishing beginning circumstances is a critical step in initiating a transient heat

conduction analysis. The experiment conducted by Dr. Lee requires the establishment
of precise parameters. These parameters include the specification of the geometry and
material properties of the steel plate, the determination of initial temperature
distribution across the plate (including the heat source and boundary temperatures set
at room temperature), and the selection of appropriate heat source intensity and
duration. Ensuring precise data collecting intervals through the utilisation of
temperature sensors and establishing an initial state of thermal equilibrium prior to
initiating the heat source are of utmost importance. These conditions establish the
foundation for the observation and understanding of heat conduction in the plate. This
transition from transient to steady-state heat transfer allows for a thorough investigation
of temperature variations in the material as time progresses.

e) The procedure that Dr. Lee follows to analyse transient temperature behaviour is
distinct. She begins by assembling the steel plate and installing temperature sensors
every 1 centimetre. The initial temperatures at each node are documented by Dr. Lee,
who then initiates the heat source. She records temperature fluctuations at consistent
intervals across the nodes until a constant state is attained through continuous
monitoring. Dr. Lee gathers data on temperature fluctuations by observing the
convection of heat across the plate during this time period. She analyses the dataset
after collection, making note of the temporal evolution of the temperature distribution.
By employing graphs or visual representations, she illustrates the transient behaviour
of the system, specifically the ways in which temperatures fluctuate across the plate
until equilibrium is attained. The thorough examination enables her to comprehend and
decipher the dynamics of transient heat transfer occurring within the steel plate.
f) Lumped capacitance applies when a material's size or thickness is small compared to
heat transfer times. The thickness of Dr. Lee's thin steel plate is minimal relative to the
heat it must carry. This thinness simplifies lumped capacitance analysis. The entire steel
plate is regarded as a single entity with uniform temperature if the thickness temperature
distribution is immediate and uniform. This simplification lets Dr. Lee analyse transient
heat transport as if the plate's volume stored all the heat. It assumes rapid thermal
equilibrium inside the plate thickness and ignores temperature fluctuations across its
depth, simplifying calculations and analysis.