Heat conduction experimental

INTRODUCTION:Conduction is defined as the transfer of energy from more energetic

particles to adjacent less energetic particles as a result of interactions
between the particles. In solids, conduction is the combined result of
molecular vibrations and free electron mobility. Metals typically have
high free electron mobility, which explains why they are good heat
conductors. Conduction can be easily understood if we imagine two
blocks, one very hot and the other cold. If we put these blocks in
contact with one another but insulate them from the surroundings,
thermal energy will be transferred from the hot to the cold block, as
evidenced by the increase in temperature of the cold block. This mode
of heat transfer between the two solid blocks is termed conduction.
we will see how changes in cross-sectional area affect heat transfer. In
this experiment we will use the 25 mm diameter brass sample, we will
use the brass sample with a diameter of 13 mm.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of this experiment is to understand how variable cross-sectional

area affects heat transfer by conduction.

THEORY:Fouriers Law states that the rate of heat transfer is proportional to the
cross-sectional area normal to the direction of heat flow. Since the
outer surface is insulated, the heat flow rate q x is the same for each

section of the bar and since it is the same material, the thermal
conductivity k is assumed to be constant. Then
AH

( dydx ) = A ( dydx ) = A ( dydx )

H

(1)

where the subscripts h, s, and c denote the hot, sample, and cold
segments of the bar, respectively. In other words, the temperature
gradient is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area. In this
experiment, the hot and cold segments will have the same crosssectional area, which will differ from that of the sample inserted in
between the two segments.
Solving for the temperature gradient ratio in Eq. (1), we get

(2)
In this experiment you will compare the gradient ratio obtained from
the plot of measured temperatures vs. length (which is the
experimental result) with the inverse ratio of the two different areas
(theoretical result).

APPARATUS:The apparatus for this experiment is the P.A. Hilton H940 Heat
Conduction Unit, described in Part

PROCEDURE:1. Apply a very small amount (a drop) of thermal conducting paste to

make a thin layer on each side of the brass sample of 30 mm length

and 13 mm diameter and spread it uniformly.

2. Insert the sample into the test unit and allow cooling water to flow
through the test unit.
3. Connect the nine thermocouples in the appropriate order.
4. Adjust the power control knob to deliver 20 W to the test unit and
allow the unit to reach steady state (approximately 20 minutes).
5. Record the temperatures at each of the six thermocouples and the
power input.

Q
20
25

T1
31.3
37.5

T2
30.9
36.6

T3
29
35.9

T7
22.9
23.8

T8
22.1
23

T9
21.4
22.4

RESULTS:
-Plot the temperature profile along the length of the bar and determine
the slopes dT / dx of the best-fit lines for each distinct segment of the
bar. Use these slopes to compute the experimental value of the
temperature gradient ratio and compare that value to the theoretical
value obtained from the crosssectional areas.
- Are the area and temperature gradient inversely proportional?
Discuss possible sources of error within the equipment or the
assumptions made in the theory.

Q
( dT /dX )S

( dT /dX )c
( dT /dX )H
AS

20

25