Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

Objective: To verify the Fourier Rate Equation in determining the rate of heat flow through
solid materials for one dimensional, steady flow of heat

Introduction:
What is Fouriers Equation? Fourier's law. The law of heat conduction, also known as Fourier's
law, states that the time rate of heat transfer through a material is proportional to the negative
gradient in the temperature and to the area, at right angles to that gradient, through which the heat
flows.

Thermal conduction is the transfer of heat energy in a material due to the temperature gradient
within it. It always takes place from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower
temperature. In this experiment we will be using a test rig with computer analysis to prove Fouriers
equation.

Theory:
If the heated and cooled surfaces are clamped tightly together and are in good thermal contact, then
the two sections can be considered as a continuous homogenous sample of uniform cross section
and material

According to Fouriers law of heat conduction:

If a plane section of thickness L and constant area As maintains a temperature difference T then
the heat transfer rate per unit time by conduction through the wall is found to be:

T L
Q
Where,
Rcond
Rcond KAs

L = the change in length of the test specimen.

T = the change in temperature
K = thermal conductivity
As = heat transfer area
Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

Experimental Apparatus:

Figure 1 - the test rig

Figure 2 PA Hilton heat conductor

PA Hilton heat conductor:

A small-scale accessory that allows experimental investigation of linear heat conduction and the
measurement of the thermal conductivity of various solid conductors and insulators. An insulated,
25mm diameter brass heated section and cooling section that may be either clamped together, or
assembled with one of four insulated intermediate sections or test specimens between the
interfaces.
The hot end uses a nominal 65W heater (operating at 240v maximum), which is fitted with a high
temperature limit switch. The power supplied to the heater is controlled and measured by the
H111Heat Transfer Service Unit. The cold section is of identical dimensions to the hot end and is
water-cooled. Both the heated and cooled ends are each fitted with three thermocouples at 15mm
intervals to measure the temperature gradients along the bars.
Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

Figure 3 Heat transfer service unit

Heat transfer service unit:

A fully instrumented bench top Heat Transfer Service Unit providing regulated and adjustable AC
power for all of the optional modules plus a number of auxiliary power outlets. The unit includes
instrumentation that is common to all modules, this being a 12 point digital temperature indicator
and digital current and voltage meter. Where appropriate, additional instrumentation is supplied
with the various optional modules.

Procedure:
1. Ensure that the main switch is in the off position. Ensure that the residual
current circuit breaker in the rear panel is in the ON position.
2. Turn the voltage controller Anti-clockwise to set the AC voltage to minimum.
Ensure the linear heat transfer unit has been connected to the heat transfer
service unit.
3. Ensure the cold water supply and electrical supply are turned on at the
source. Open the water tap until the flow through the drain hose is about
1.5litres per minute. The actual flow can be checked using a measuring
vessel and stopwatch if desired. The flow has to dissipate out around 65
watts.
4. Release the toggle clamp tensioning screw and clamps. Ensure that the
faces of the exposed ends of the heated and cooled sections are clean.
Ensure the intermediate section to be used is in the correct orientation then
clamp the assembly together using the toggle clamps and tensioning screw.
5. Turn on the main switch and the digital displays should illuminate. Set the
temperature selector switch to T1 to indicate the temperature of the heated
end of the bar.
6. Set the heater voltage V to 90 volts.
7. Observe T1, this should begin to increase.
8. Allow the system to reach stability and take readings for T1, T2, T3 T6, T7 T8
Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

9. Reset the heater voltage to 120 volts and repeat the above procedure again
recording the parameters T1, T2, T3, T6, T7, T8, V and I when temperatures have
stabilized.
10. Reset the heater voltage to 170 volts and repeat the above procedure again
recording the parameters T1, T2, T3, T6, T7, T8, V and I when temperatures have
stabilized.
11. Reset the heater voltage to 200 volts and repeat the above procedure again
recording the parameters T1, T2, T3, T6, T7, T8, V and I when temperatures have
stabilized.
12. When completed, if no further experiments are to be conducted reduce the heater
voltage to zero and shut down the system.

Results

Figure 4 - shows the temperatures, voltages and current read off of the heat transfer unit.

Figure 5 shows the list of values calculates using formulas on excel.

Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

Figure 6 - shows the formulas used to calculate the values for Fouriers equation

Charts:

Distance Vs Temperature
70

60

50
Temperature

40

30

20

10

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08
Distance
Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

Qactual Vs Qscale
30.0

25.0

20.0
Qactual

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0
1 2 3
Qscale

Series1 Series2

T1 vs T8
70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0:00:00 0:07:12 0:14:24 0:21:36 0:28:48 0:36:00 0:43:12 0:50:24

Series1 Series2

Raw Data
Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C

Discussion:
In graph one the longer it is left the flatter the curve becomes due to a
logarithmic exponential rise.
In the bar chart, the Qactual and the Qscale are both very similar proving
Fouriers law.
In the raw date chart, there is convection at the end.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, I believe this experiment was a success as Fourier Rate Equation was verified in
determining the rate of heat flow through solid materials for one dimensional, steady flow of
heat. If I was to do this experiment again I would consider heat loss in the experiment rig as I feel
this effected some of the results. Doing this experiment, I gained better knowledge on how to use
Fouriers equation and would say it was an overall success
Rhys Lambadarios K00207831 Mechanical engineering group C