Discussion (Khairul Anwar bin Zainuddin, 64816)

Introduction:

Conduction is interaction between particles where energy transfer happens from particles with
higher energy to particles with lower energy. This experiment consists two parts, which are linear heat
conduction and radial heat conduction, which uses solids as medium. When conduction happens in
solids, there are molecular vibrations and free electron mobility (Salah, 2014). Brass, Aluminium, and
Stainless steel are metals which are good conductor of heat due to the fact that metal has high freely
mobile electrons.

In this experiment, calculation is based on the Fourier’s law, for example, linear heat
conduction:

𝑑𝑇
𝑄̇ = 𝑘𝐴
𝑑𝑥
𝑄̇ is heat flow rate in unit Watt. Heat flow rate can be determined by using equation 𝑄̇ = 𝐼𝑉 . Both
current and voltage reading can be found on the bench top Heat Transfer Service Unit. Hence, heat
transfer rate for Aluminium, Stainless Steel and Brass with three different voltages plus in linear and
radial directions can be determined and recorded in Table 5 and Table 6.

Thermal conductivity(k) can be determined by rearranging the initial equation where 𝑄̇ as a

subject to another equation where k is the subject. For example (radial heat conduction),
r
∆𝑇 Q ln ro
i
𝑄 = 2𝜋𝑘𝐿 𝑟 , k=
𝑙𝑛 𝑟𝑜 2πL∆T
𝑖
Hence, thermal conductivity for linear and radial heat conduction of each materials can be calculated
and recorded in Table 5 and 6. Heat conductor is determined to compare the conductivity of different
materials and in linear and radial directions by its quantity of k. Connor (2019) mentioned that:

The proportionality constant obtained in the relation is known as thermal conductivity, k (or
λ), of the material. A material that readily transfers energy by conduction is a good thermal
conductor and has a high value of k. Fourier’s law is an expression that define the thermal
conductivity.

Based on Table 5, for 150V, the material with highest thermal conductivity is Brass(351.60 Wm-1 K-
1
), followed by Aluminium (205.65 Wm-1 K-1) and lastly Stainless Steel (102,25 Wm-1 K-1). Hence,
Brass is the best heat conductor. Based on Table 5 and 6, heat conduction of brass at linear direction
has higher thermal conductivity (351.60 Wm-1 K-1) compared to radial direction (160.24 Wm-1 K-1).

Based on Table 5 for each materials with 150V, both Aluminium and Stainless Steel have
bigger cross-sectional area (4.909 x 10-4 m2) compared to Brass (1.327 x 10-4 m2) hence both of them
have higher heat transfer rate compared to Brass. This is because rate of heat transfer is directly
proportional to surface area. An object with a bigger area has more surface particles working to
conduct heat (Rates of Heat Transfer, n.d.).

Based on Graph 1 to 4, the graphs show decreasing pattern. As the distance increase, the
temperature decrease. Hence, the temperature gradient obtained from the graphs are recorded in Table
5. The temperature gradients obtained are negative because following the conducting path, for
example for radial direction, which is from higher temperature of inner radius to lower temperature of
outer radius. “A temperature gradient is a physical quantity that describes in which direction and at
what rate the temperature changes in a specific location. Temperature always flows from the hottest to
coldest source, due to the fact that cold is nothing but the absence of heat energy” (Williams, 2014)

Based on Table 5 and 6, the rate of heat transfer of the Brass (150V) for radial direction is
higher (48.45W) compared to that of linear direction (26.25W). The difference between both
directions are the way the temperature slope goes. Theoretically, steady temperature profile for one-
dimensional conduction in a rectangular slab is a straight line, provided the thermal conductivity is a
constant. In the cylindrical geometry, steady temperature profile to be logarithmic in the radial
coordinate in an analogous situation (Subramanian). Hence, heat transfer rate is higher in radial
direction compared to linear direction.

Based on Table 1 to 6, the data shows when temperature difference increase, the rate of heat
transfer increase. Hence, hypothesis is accepted. Problem statement on the basic concepts of heat
transfer and the way it is mathematically described, obtain experimentally the coefficient of thermal
conductivity of some materials, and to understand the factors and parameters that affect the rate of
heat transfer are discussed and achieved. The objectives of the experiment also achieved, which have
been discussed in the discussion part.

There may be some error occur during handling the experiment, for example, error in taking
readings or handling the specimens, or the purity of the specimens. Plus, heat loss may occur if the
there is empty space between material and the heater. Sufficient flow of cold water and cooling time
may affect the reading. Hence, there are several precautions. First, the material should be wiped clean.
Secondly, the heater should be cooled first to get more precise reading of temperature. The materials
should not be touched directly by hands while it is still hot.

Conclusion
Objectives are achieved. Fourier’s law is used in determining heat transfer rate through solid
materials. The thermal conductivity of a material, k, in linear and radial direction are determined,
where linear direction has higher thermal conductivity. Effect of cross-sectional area on the heat
transfer rate is determined, where bigger surface area has higher rate of heat transfer. The relationship
between temperature gradient and the length of the conducting path is determined, where decrease in
temperature gradient when increase in conducting path. Rate of heat transfer of the material in linear
direction is lower than the rate of heat transfer of the material in radial direction. Hypothesis made is
accepted.
References
Connor, N. (2019, May 22). What is Fourier’s Law of Thermal Conduction. Retrieved from Thermal
Engineering: https://www.thermal-engineering.org/what-is-fouriers-law-of-thermal-
conduction-definition/

Rates of Heat Transfer. (n.d.). Retrieved from the Physics Classroom:

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/thermalP/Lesson-1/Rates-of-Heat-Transfer

Salah, A. (2014, November 29). Linear Heat Conduction. Retrieved from Slideshare:
https://www.slideshare.net/areesalah/linear-heat-conduction

Subramanian, R. S. (n.d.). Conduction in the Cylindrical Geometry. Retrieved from

https://web2.clarkson.edu/projects/subramanian/ch330/notes/Conduction%20in%20the%2
0Cylindrical%20Geometry.pdf

Williams, M. (2014, December 9). What is heat conduction? Retrieved from Universe Today:
https://phys.org/news/2014-12-what-is-heat-conduction.html