Abstract

The experiment of linear conduction consists in the study of the different applications of Fourier Rate Equation for steady-state conduction in one dimension. The main objectives were to determine the thermal conductivity of three different materials (Brass, Aluminum and Stainless Steel), to observe if there was a dependency in the thermal conduction of brass in function of temperature, and to observe the effect of contact resistance on thermal conduction. In order to compare qualitatively the results obtained percents of error were calculated between the experimental results and the accepted theoretical values.

To complete the demonstration a number of pieces of equipment were used: the Computer Compatible Heat Transfer service Unit (HT10XC), the Linear Conduction Accessory (HT11) and a stopwatch. The experimental procedure involved six different runs with different conditions using three different materials: Brass, Aluminium and Stainless Steel. This was achieved applying heat to one end of the resulting wall, with a water flow of cooling water. For the first part of the experiment the thermal conductivity of two metal specimens was calculated. For stainless steel the value of k obtained was 210.95 W/mC and for aluminum 142.27 W/mC. When compared to their theoretical value of k (25 W/mC for stainless steel and 180 W/mC for aluminum) the percent of error obtained was 743.81% and 20.960% respectively. The second part of the experiment involved a system of brass and brass with paste subjected to a voltage of 9.1 V. The temperatures of the six thermocouples were measured when an equilibrium state was reached. For a brass and brass with paste system the thermal equilibrium readings were taken for 9.1V, 14V and 18.2V voltages. The results obtained from calculations are following: for the brass-paste system at 9.1V, 14V and 18.2V, the values of k obtained were 142.27 W/mC, 150.44 W/mC, and 149.30 W/mC, respectively. When compared with the theoretical value of k (121 W/mC) the percent of error obtained were 17.580%, 24.330%, and 23.390%, respectively. Finally, the effect of the contact resistance coefficient (hc), for the brass-brass and a brass-paste-brass system was determined. The constant resistance coefficients were 18538.32 W/m2C and 25490.20 W/m2C. The percent of difference (% diff.), between these coefficients was 44.09%.

In this experiment the main objectives were successfully accomplished. The thermal conductivity (k) of a brass-brass with paste system, at different voltages, and of two metal specimens (stainless steel and aluminum) was successfully calculated with the exception of stainless steel thermal conductivity, given that its experimental value differs greatly from its theoretical one. The calculation of the constant resistance coefficient (hc) for two brass adjacent materials with and without paste was also calculated. The main objectives of the experiment were accomplished and the theory was validated.