Experiment Title : Linear and Radial Heat Conduction

Course : UEME3213 Heat and Mass Transfer

Program : Chemical Engineering

Name of Student : Saravanan Raj

Student ID No : 1600167

Year and Trimester : Y4 T1

Date of Experiment: 28th February 2019

Name of Lecturer : Dr. Ng Chai Yan

TITLE

Linear and radial heat conduction experiment

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this experiment is to examine the temperature profile and to determine the rate
of heat transfer for both linear and radial conduction and to obtain the coefficient of thermal
conductivity with the aid of the Fourier’s law.

INTRODUCTION

The Linear and Radial Heat Conduction Apparatus is used to study the basic principles of
conduction heat transfer. With the aid of the apparatus, we are able to determine the relationship
between the rate of heat transfer and temperature gradient, the cross-sectional area and length of
the conducting path and thermal conductivity of the material. Thermal conduction is basically the
the exchange of energy between adjacent molecules and electrons in the conducting medium.
There are two ways where heat can be conducted in solids, which is by transportation of energy
by free electrons and by lattice vibrations. In good conductors, a large number of free electrons
move about in the lattice structure of the material. It always takes place from a region of higher
temperature to a region of lower temperature. The portion of energy transported by free electrons
is larger than that by lattice structure. An increase in temperature causes increase in both the
lattice vibration and the speed of electrons, but increased vibration of lattice disturbs the
movement of free electrons causing reduction in transport of energy by free electrons which
means the overall conduction is reduced. A solid is chosen for the experiment of pure conduction
because both liquids and gasses exhibit excessive convective heat transfer. A heat source placed
in a material causes temperature changes due to heat conduction. The relationship between
temperature and the distance from the heat source must be linear after some time in the case of
linear heat conduction and it must have a logarithmic distribution in the case of radial heat
conduction. For practical situation, heat conduction occurs in three dimensions, a complexity
which often requires extensive computation to analyze.
In the experiment, it is seen that heat will flow through the homogeneous shaped brass bar in the
linear part and the circular brass plate (cylindrical) in the radial part. In relation to that, sensors
connected to the module is to measure the temperature reading of the bar after it’s heated up by
the surrounding hot water which supplies the heat to the test modules which creates the
temperature gradient. Then, few equations including the Fourier’s Law is used to calculate the
thermal conductivity, k of the brass material.

THEORY

Linear Conduction Heat Transfer (Homogeneous Bar)

Fourier’s Law is an empirical relationship between the conduction rate in a material and
the temperature gradient in the direction of energy flow, which concludes that the heat flux
resulting from thermal conduction is proportional to the magnitude of the temperature gradient
and opposite to it in sign. For a unidirectional conduction process this observation may be
expressed as:

dT
Q=kA
dx

Where,

Q = heat flow rate, [W]

k = thermal conductivity of the material,

[ ]
W
k⋅m

A = cross-sectional area of the conduction, [m2]

dT = changes of temperature between two points, [k]

dx = changes of displacement between two points, [m]

Fourier's Law thus provides the definition of thermal conductivity and forms the basis of
many methods of determining its value. Fourier's Law, as the basic rate equation of the
conduction process, when combined with the principle of conservation of energy, also forms the
basis for the analysis of most conduction problems.
Radial Conduction Heat Transfer (Cylindrical)

For cylindrical systems, the temperature difference produces conduction in the radial
direction only. Hence, it is said to be one-dimensional. For radial conduction, the heating element
is attached to the c entre part of the circular brass plate. The heat flows radially and since the
area increases with radius, hence the temperature gradient must decrease with radius. The heat
flow rate (Q) is:

2 π Lk (T i −T o )
Q=−
R
ln o
Ri

where, Q = heat flow rate, [W]

k = thermal conductivity of the material,

[ ]W
k⋅m

L = thickness of the conduction, [m]

Ti = inner section temperature, [K]

To = outer section temperature, [K]

Ro = outer radius, [m]

Ri = inner radius, [m]

DESCRIPTION
Unit Assembly

The equipment comprises two heat-conducting specimens, a multi-section bar for the
examination of linear conduction and a metal disc for radial conduction. A control panel supplies
electrical power to the heaters and shows readings for all relevant measurements.

A small flow of cooling water provides a heat sink at the end of the conducting path in each
specimen.

1
7
2
3 8

4
9
5

Figure 1: Unit Assembly for Heat Conduction Study Bench (Model: HE 105)

1. Control Panel 6. Thermocouple Connectors

2. Heater Power Indicator 7. Thermocouples
3. Heater Power Regulator 8. Radial Module
4. Temperature Indicator 9. Linear Module

5. Temperature Selector

Specifications
  Linear Module

Consists of the following sections:

i) Heater Section
Material : Brass
Diameter: 25 mm
ii) Cooler Section
Material : Brass
Diameter: 25 mm
iii) Interchangeable Test Section - Insulated Brass Test Section with
Temperature Sensors Array (Diameter = 25mm, Length = 30 mm)

 Radial Module

Material : Brass
Diameter : 110 mm
Thickness : 3 mm

 Instrumentations

Linear module consists of a maximum of 9 type K thermocouple temperature

sensors at 10 mm interval. For radial module, 6 type K thermocouple
temperature sensors at 10 mm interval along the radius are installed.
Each test modules are installed with a 100 Watt heater.

APPARATUS
There are two experimental models to study the heat transfer by conduction:
1. Linear Heat Conduction
2. Radial Heat Conduction
Control panel, heater power indicator, heater power regulator, temperature indicator, temperature
selector, thermocouple connectors, thermocouples, radial module, and linear module.

PROCEDURE

Linear Conduction Heat Transfer

1. The main switch was initially made sure switched off. A brass conductor (25mm
diameter) intermediate section was inserted into the linear module and clamp together.
2. The temperature sensors T1 until T9 were installed to the test module and the sensors
lead were connected to the panel.
3. The heater supply lead for the linear conduction module was connected to the power
supply socket on the control panel.
4. The water supply was turned on and ensured that the water is flowing from the free end
of the water pipe to drain. This should be checked at intervals.
5. The heater power control knob control panel was turned to the fully anticlockwise
position.
6. The power supply and the main switch was switched on, the digital readouts were
illuminated.
7. The heater was switched on and the heater power control was turned to 20 Watts and
sufficient time was allowed to achieve steady state condition before recording the
temperature at all temperature points as well as the input power reading on the wattmeter
(Q).This procedure was repeated for other input power between 0 to 20 watts. After each
change, sufficient time was allowed to achieve steady state condition again.
8. The graph of the temperature, T versus distance, x was plotted. The thermal conductivity
of the test section was calculated.

Note:

i) Care should be taken when assembling the sample between the heater and the cooler
sections, to match the shallow shoulders in the housings.
 ii) The temperature measurements are ensured to be aligned along the longitudinal axis
of the unit.

iii) The insulation material of the test module can withstand up to 100 degree Celsius.
The heater power is reduced immediately when the temperature nearest to the heater
is too high.

Radial Heat Transfer

1. The main switch initially is made sure turned off.

2. The temperature sensors (T1 until T6) were installed to the radial test module and the
sensors leads to the panel were connected.
3. The heater supply lead for the radial conduction module was connected into the power
supply socket on the control panel.
4. The water supply was turned on and ensured that water is flowing from the free end of
the water pipe to drain. This was checked at intervals.
5. The heater power control knob control panel was turned to the fully anticlockwise
position.
6. The power supply and main switch was switched on, the digital readouts were
illuminated.
7. The heater was switched on and the heater power control was turned to 20 Watts and
sufficient time was allowed to achieve steady state condition before the temperature at all
temperature points as well as the input power reading on the wattmeter (Q) was recorded.
After each change, sufficient time was allowed to achieve steady state conditions again.
8. The graph of the temperature, T versus distance, x was plotted. The thermal conductivity
of the test section was calculated.

Note:

The insulation material of the test modules can withstand up to 100 degrees celsius only. The
heater power is reduced immediately if the temperature nearest to the heater is too high.

RESULTS

Linear Conduction Heat Transfer

 Linear Heat Conduction
Comparison with Theory
Points (experimental data), Line (theory)
60
Temperature (deg C)

50
40
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Distance along Axis (cm)

Graph 1

Radial Heat Transfer

 Radial Heat Conduction
Comparison with Theory
Points (experimental data), Line (theory)
50
45
40
Temperature (deg C)

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Radial Distance from Centre of Cylinder (cm)

Graph 2
 Radial Heat Conduction
Comparison with Theory
Points (experimental data), Line (theory)
45
40
35
Temperature (deg C)

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Radial Distance from Centre of Cylinder (cm)

Graph 3

CALCULATION
Calculation done for Q = 5.0 W (linear):

dx = 0.01m

π ( 0.025 m)2
Area, A = =0.000491m2
4

At sensor 2: T2 = 305.5 K and T1 = 305.7 K

dT = 0.2
Q dx 5 0.01 W
k=
A dT( )
=
0.000491 0.2 ( )
=509.16
m. K

At sensor 3: T3 = 305.4 K and T2 = 305.5 K

dT = 0.1
 5 0.01 W
k= ( )
0.000491 0.1
=1018.33
m. K

At sensor 4: T4 = 305.1 K and T3 = 305.4 K

dT = 0.3
5 0.01 W
k= ( )
0.000491 0.3
=339.44
m.K

At sensor 5: T5 = 302.2 K and T4 = 305.1 K

dT = 2.9
5 0.01 W
k= ( )
0.000491 2.9
=35.12
m. K

At sensor 6: T6 = 303.3 K and T5 = 302.2 K

dT = -1.1
5 0.01 W
k= ( )
0.000491 −1.1
=−92.58
m .K

At sensor 7: T7 = 302.3 K and T6 = 303.3 K

dT = 1
5 0.01 W
k= ( )
0.000491 1
=101.83
m. K

At sensor 8: T8 = 302 K and T7 = 302.3 K

dT = 0.3
5 0.01 W
k= ( )
0.000491 0.3
=339.44
m.K

At sensor 9: T9 = 301.9 K and T8 = 302 K

dT = 0.1
 5 0.01 W
k=
0.000491 0.1( )
=1018.33
m. K

Average k =

509.16+ 1018.33+ 339.44+35.12−92.58+101.83+339.44+1018.33 W

=408.7
8 m.K

Calculation done for Q = 5.0 W (radial):

Pi, π = 3.142
Thickness, L = 0.003m
At sensor 2:
dT = (Ti – To) = 305.1 – 308.4 = -3.3 K
Ro = 0.02, Ri = 0.01
Ro

∴ k=
−Q ln ( )
Ri
=
−5 x ln ( 0.02
0.01 )
=55.71
W
2 πL ( T i −T o ) 2 x 3.142 x 0.003 x (−3.3 ) m. K

At sensor 3:
dT = 303.2 – 305.1 = -1.9 K
Ro = 0.03, Ri = 0.02

k=
−5 x ln ( 0.03
0.02 )
=56.60
W
2 x 3.142 x 0.003 x (−1.9 ) m. K

At sensor 4:
dT = 302.6 – 303.2 = -0.6 K
Ro = 0.04, Ri = 0.03
 k=
−5 x ln ( 0.04
0.03 )
=127.17
W
2 x 3.142 x 0.003 x (−0.6 ) m.K

At sensor 5:
dT = 301.7 – 302.6 = -0.9 K
Ro = 0.05, Ri = 0.04

k=
−5 x ln ( 0.05
0.04 )
=65.76
W
2 x 3.142 x 0.003 x (−0.9 ) m. K

55.71+ 56.60−127.17+65.76 W
∴ Average k= =76.31
4 m. K

DISCUSSION

The experiment is led to examine the temperature profile and decide rate of heat
exchange for both linear and radial conduction. Conduction is something that occurs in our daily
life. Convection occurs when heat is transferred through a gas or liquid by the hotter material
moving into a cooler area. The better the conductor, the more quickly heat will be exchanged.
This happens because of the substances are in direct contact with each other. Furthermore, heat is
led in solids in two routes; transport of energy by free electrons and grid vibration. In a way,
there are numerous other wonders resembles this that operates based on this hypothesis of heat
flow. Actually, conduction happens when a substance is warmed, particles will acquire power,
and vibrate more. These molecules at that point catch nearby particles and exchange some of
their energy to them. At this point, it proceeds and passes the vitality from the hot end down to
the colder end of the substance. In addition, materials that have higher free electron portability
have a tendency to be great conductors of heat. Hence, the heat move through materials is not
effectively computed at a steady state. In this way, it is required to get the temperature
distribution equation through a solid.

In this experiment, there are two types of conductions which are linear and radial
conductions. A homogeneous brass bar is placed in the linear module for linear conduction as
part of this experiment and heated at an end. The heat passes from the water to the bar through
conduction. A total of nine temperature sensors were installed along the module to calculate the
thermal conductivity by determining the temperature at different locations of the bar with
distance around 0.01m from each other. The values of temperature were obtained, recorded and
tabulated against the heat power used. A total of 5 different heat powers were used which are
5,10,15 and 20 Watts. The thermal conductivity, k was calculated based on Fourier’s Law
equation using the area of 0.000491m2. The average thermal conductivity of each heat flow rate
is calculated which is then used to calculate the overall average conductivity value of linear
conduction in a brass specimen.

A circular brass plate is used for the radial heat transfer part. The plate has a thickness, L
of 0.003m. It was also heated with five different powers which are 5,10,15 and 20 Watts. Unlike
linear conduction, for this experiment only six temperature sensors where installed along then
module with distance of 0.01m. These values which are recorded is then substituted into the
equation below, to find the thermal conductivity, k:

2 π Lk (T i −T o )
Q=−
Ro
ln
Ri

The overall average conductivity is obtained from all the different values of Q. The overall
average thermal conductivity for the linear part calculated is 232.65 W/m. K and for the radial
part is 130.07 W/m.K. Based on the graph obtained in this experiment comparing the theoretical
and the experimental value shows that the trend of both the graphs plotted for each part is seen to
be abnormal and does not decrease linearly. In fact, it is also seen that the experimental value
differs from the theoretical value for the linear conduction heat transfer part especially at sensor
6. The temperature obtained at sensor 6 supposed to be lower than sensor 5 but it seems to be
higher. While for radial heat transfer part, the experimental data obtained at sensor 4 differs than
the theoretical value as the temperature obtained is higher than sensor 3 which supposed to be
lower. This is because the sensor 6 in the linear experiment and sensor 4 in the radial experiment
are less sensitive due to the problem in the terminals. Thus, the temperature readings are different
from what it should be and this causes the abnormality in the trend.

Lastly, there are several precaution steps that should be taken into consideration when
conducting this experiment. First off, during the assembly of the sample between the cooler and
heater sections, care should be exercised to match the shallow shoulders in the housings.
Besides, ensure that the sensors are connected well to the module to get a better reading. Next,
the insulation is to ensure that no heat is loss to the surrounding. In addition, the insulation
material of the test modules can only withstand a temperature of up to 100 ℃ , hence the
heater power should be reduced immediately in occasion of the temperature being too high.

CONCLUSION
The overall average thermal conductivity of linear conduction is 232.65 W/m. K and the overall
average thermal conductivity of radial conduction is 130.07 W/m.K.

REFERENCE
1. Incropera, F. P., De Witt, D.P., Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, John Wiley &
Sons, Singapore, 1990
2. Thermal Conductivity (n.d). Retrieved March 7, 2019 from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/thermal-conductivity