[SEGi University]

[Chemical Engineering Laboratory III]

SEGi University
EXPERIMENT TITLE
Candidates Name:
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1. Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to study the theory of linear heat conduction in various
materials by measuring temperature distribution of conduction energy through various materials
such as steel and brass. From the experiment, different material have different value of thermal
conductivity and the overall heat transfer coefficient is dependent to the input power. However,
the experimental overall heat transfer coefficient will be compared to the overall heat transfer
coefficient calculated.

2. THEORY/INTRODUCTION

Thermal conduction is the mode of heat transfer which occurs in a material by virtue of a
temperature gradient within it. A solid is chosen for the demonstration of pure conduction since
both liquids and gasses exhibit excessive convective heat transfer. In a practical situation, heat
conduction occurs in three dimensions, a complexity which often requires extensive computation
to analyse. In the laboratory, a single dimensional approach is required to demonstrate the basic
law that relates rate of heat flow to temperature gradient and area.

For steady flow along the bar, the heat flow through successive slabs is the same for reasons
of continuity. Hence, from Fouriers Law

Q T TH I T TCI T TCS
k H HS KS H I K C CI (1)
A XH XS XC

We may write Eq (1) as

 Q
U (THS TCS ) (2)
A

Where

1 XH XS XC
(3)
U K H K S KC

U is an overall heat transfer coefficient for the composite wall and I/U is the overall
resistance to the heat flow .

3. APPARATUS

Figure 1 Heat Conduction Apparatus

The heat conduction apparatus shown in Figure 1 consist of two electricity heated modules
mounted on a bench support frame. One module contains a cylindrical metal bar arrangement for
a variety of linear conduction experiments while the other consists of a disc for radial profile
studies. Both test sections are equipped with an array of temperature gradient.

The instrumentation provided permits accurate measurement of temperature and electrical

power supplied to the heater. Fast response temperature probes, with a resolution of 0.10 C, give
direct digital readout in 0C. The power control circuit provides a continuously variable electrical
output of 0 80 watts nominal (at nominal supply voltage) with direct digital readout having a
resolution of 0.1W.

The test modules are designed to minimize errors due to three-dimensional transfer. The basic
principles of conduction can be taught without knowledge of radiation or convective heat transfer.
The linear test piece is supplied with interchange samples of conductors and insulators to
demonstrate the effects of area, conductivity and series combinations. Contact resistance may
also be investigated and the important features of unsteady state conditions may be
demonstrated.

The apparatus may also be used to measured thermal conductivity of various solid materials
by clamping a sample of specific dimensions between the hot and cold element.

4. PROCEDURES
1. an intermediate position was selected for the heater power control
2. Sufficient time was allowed for a steady state condition to be achieved before recording
the temperature (T) at all six sensor points and the input power reading on the wattmeter
(Q).
 3. This procedure was repeated for other input powers as well up to maximum setting of the
control.
4. After each change, sufficient time was allowed to achieve steady state conditions.
5. Note that when assembling the sample between the heater and the cooler; take care to
match the shallow shoulder in the nylon housings.
6. All the result was recorded and tabulated your results as shown in Table 1.
7. The step 1 was repeated with second test sample and then repeat the step 1 with second
test sample and then repeat step 2 to 5 then tabulate the result in table 2 below.

5. Results

Copper diameter = 2.5 cm

Copper thickness = 3 cm

Table 1: Temperature distribution along test samples 1

Test Wattmeter Q T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9

No. (watts) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C)

1 15 40.8 39.3 38.9 -13.7 27.0 27.2 29.5 29.3 29.1

Calculated heat Transfer coefficient:

Q
U=
A(THS - TCS )

150
U= = 7364.97 w/2
1.964103 (39.6729.3)
Thermal conductivity value can be found by using this equation,

k Q dx
=
A dT S

Rearranging,

QL
k=
A(T)

Substituting,

150(0.03)
k= 3 = 35.595 W/m.k
(1.964X10 )(39.6729.3)

Brass diameter = 2.5 cm

Brass thickness = 3 cm

Table 2: Temperature distribution along test samples 2

Test Wattmeter Q T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9

No. (watts) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C) (0C)

1 15 52.4 49.5 48.2 -13.7 -13.7 -13.7 29.6 29.5 29.3

Calculated heat Transfer coefficient:

Q
U=
A(THS - TCS )
 150
U= 3 = 3714.183 w/2
1.96410 (..)

Thermal conductivity value can be found by using this equation,

k Q dx
=
A dT S

Rearranging,

QL
k=
A(T)

Substituting,

150(0.03)
k= 3 = 111.426 W/m.k
1.96410 (50.0329.467)

temperature versus point graph.

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10 0 2 4 6 8 10

-20
-30

copper brass
The value of the overall heat transfer coefficient obtained using this method should be compared
to the value calculated from the thermal geometry equation:

1 X H XS XC

U K H K S KC
1 11102 3102 11102
= W + W + W
117 25 117
mK mK mK
1
11102 3102 11102
=( W + W + W )
117 25 117
mK mK mK

= 324.64 /2

6. Discussion

From the experiment studied, there are factors that affect the rate of conduction. First,
temperature difference, cross section area, length and time. From the graph, when the
input power, Q (watt) increase, the overall heat coefficient, U (w/m2 k) will decrease. To
calculate the heat transfer coefficient using the thermal geometry equation factor, K used
is for the Brass is 117W/m K and for the stainless steel is 25 W/m K when compared
Q
the U calculated using U = Base on the experimental results and the
A(THS - TCS )
theoretical U calculated using

1 X H XS XC

U K H K S KC
There are differences between the values this may because the theoretical U take account
only the distance and thermal conductivity without considering the input power and
temperature. Error will occur in contact point because when we join the peace of material
together will make a space that cause heat losses. The accuracy in this experiment is not
accurate because of the instruments and thermocouples where configured incorrectly. This
would have also disrupted the results.
7. Conclusion

Change in the input power will affect the heat transfer coefficient. There will be difference
between U theoretically and U calculated from the experiment due to the difference in input
power, area, temperature, distance and thermal conductivity.

8. REFERENCES

1. http://www.slideshare.net/areesalah/linear-heat-conduction
2. http://www.scribd.com/doc/51634871/Heat-Conduction-Lab-Report#scribd
3. http://myweb.wit.edu/powersb1/docs/heat/conduction.pdf