Heat transfer through composite walls

Objectives

• To determine the overall heat transfer coefficient theoretically and experimentally and
compare them.
• Understand and analyze the heat flow through each layer and the entire composite wall.
• To plot the temperature distribution across the thickness of the specimens.

Apparatus

• Composite walls apparatus

• Laptop
• Stopwatch
• Thermometer
• Volumetric flask/ Beaker

Picture of Apparatus
Theory

Conduction

Conduction is when heat moves from one object to another object through direct touch.

Examples

Examples of heat conduction would be touching the hot stovetop or burning your feet on hot sand.

Formula for conduction is:

𝒒 = −𝒌𝛁𝑻

q = local heat flux

−k = material conductivity

∇T = temperature gradient

Temperature gradient

The temperature gradient (dT/dx) is a measure of how the temperature of a substance changes with
respect to a change in distance or position. It quantifies how rapidly or slowly temperature changes
along a certain direction.

Example

Example: Room Heating

• Near the Heater

• Farther from the Heater
• Across the Room

Thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is a material property that describes its ability to conduct heat.
Mathematically, thermal conductivity (K) is expressed by the following equation:
 −𝒌𝑨∆𝑻
𝑸= 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ∆𝒙 = 𝑳
∆𝒙

Examples

• Designing thermal insulation.

• Developing materials for electronic devices.
• Optimizing heat exchangers.

Heat transfer rate

Heat transfer rate, often denoted as Q, is a measure of the amount of heat energy transferred per
unit time. Heat transfer occurs when there is a temperature difference between two systems.

𝑸 = 𝒎𝒄𝒑 ∆𝑻

m is the mass flow rate

Dependence

• Depends on the area.

• On length but it is inversely proportional
• Temperature dependent
• Thermal conductivity

Heat transfer coefficient

The overall heat transfer coefficient (U) is a measure of the effectiveness of heat transfer in a
system that involves multiple resistances to heat flow. It is used in situations where heat transfer
occurs through multiple layers of different materials or across various interfaces.

Overall heat transfer coefficient (U) represents the overall efficiency of heat transfer through a
system, including multiple materials and modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection,
radiation).

Example:

Coffee mug (handle is of plastic and body is of ceramic material)

Fourier Law of heat transfer

The Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction is a fundamental principle in heat transfer, describing the
heat conduction through a material. It is named after the French mathematician and physicist
Joseph Fourier.

−𝒌𝑨∆𝑻
𝑸= 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ∆𝒙 = 𝑳
∆𝒙

This law is fundamental in understanding heat transfer in various engineering applications, such
as the design of insulation materials, heat exchangers, and other thermal systems.
Sr. Time Heat Input Water Inlet Temperature Temperature Water Outlet Flow Overall heat Experiment heat %
No. temperature of Hot end of Cold end Temperature rate transfer transfer Error
(𝑻𝒊 ) (𝑻𝑯 ) (𝑻𝒄 ) (𝑻𝒐 ) (m’) coefficient coefficient
𝑼𝒐 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒐 𝑷𝒓𝒂

V I Q 𝑻𝟏 𝑻𝟐 𝑻𝟕 𝑻𝟖