Variable Thermal Conductivity
➢In all previous problems, we assumed
that the thermal conductivity of material
is constant and does not change with
respect to temperature variation.
➢In actual practice thermal conductivity
varies with temperature.
➢For variable thermal conductivity k is
replaced with average thermal
conductivity “kave” or “km”.
➢Some time variation in thermal conduction
is very mild for many materials.
➢In such cases, we can use an average value of thermal
Conductivity and treat it as a constant.
➢When the variation of thermal conductivity with temperature
in a specified temperature interval is large, It is necessary to
account for this variation to minimize the error.
➢The change in thermal conductivity can not determine by use of
any simple formulae.
➢But it requires certain empirical expression to calculate the
value of thermal conductivity at any specified temperature.
k = k o 1 + (T − To ) → (1)
➢ Where,
➢ k = Thermal conductivity is to be determine
➢ ko = Thermal conductivity of the material at certain temperature
➢ = Temperature coefficient of thermal conductivity .
➢ T = Temperature at which thermal conductivity is to be determ
➢ To = certain reference temperature
➢ “” increases with thermal conductivity and increases with
temp.(+v)
➢ It is negative (-v) when thermal conductivity decreases
with decreases in temperature.
➢ The value of “” is zero, when we have linear graph/ relationship
➢According to Fourier’s law of heat conduction
dT
Q = −kA − − − − − ( A)
dx
➢Substitute the value of “k” in equation (A)
Q = −k o 1 + (T − To )A
dT
→ (2)
dx
➢Re-arrange and integrate equation (2)
L T2
dx = − k A 1 + (T − T )dT
Q
0
o T1
o
2
QL = − k o A(T2 − T1 ) + (T2 − T12 ) − To (T2 − T1 )
2
2
QL = k o A(T1 − T2 ) + (T1 − T2 ) − To (T1 − T2 )
2
2
2
Q=
ko A
(1 − To )(T1 − T2 ) + (T1 − T2 ) → (3)
2
L 2
➢Re-arrange equation (3)
T1 + T2 A
Q = k o 1 +
− To (T1 − T2 )
2 L
➢We observed that the quantity in the braces in the above
equation is the thermal conductivity of the solid evaluated at
the mean temperature (Tm)
T1 + T2
Tm =
2
Therefore, this conductivity denoted as (km)
T1 − T2
Q = km A
L
T1 − T2
Q = k ave A
L
➢If thermal conductivity is constant, then its value equal to
ko, the coefficient =0.
T1 − T2
Q = ko A
L
Problem: Heat Conduction through
a Wall with k(T )
Consider a 2-m-high and 0.7-m-wide
bronze plate whose thickness is 0.1 m.
One side of the plate is maintained at a
constant temperature of 600K while the
other side is maintained at 400K,as
shown in Figure. The thermal
conductivity of the bronze plate can be
assumed to vary linearly in that
temperature range as k(T)=k0(1+T )
where k0 = 38 W/m·K and =9.21 10-4
k-1. Disregarding the edge effects and
assuming steady one-dimensional heat
transfer, determine the rate of heat
conduction through the plate.
Solution
T1 + T2
k ave = k o 1 +
2
−1 600 + 400
k ave ( −4
= 38 1 + 9.21 10 k )
2
k ave = 55.5W / m.K
T1 − T2
Q = k ave A
L
600 − 400
Q = 55.5 (2 0.7 )
0.1
= 155400Watt
Q
Problem:
Heat Conduction through a Wall
with k(T )
It is proposed to carry pressurized
water through a pipe imbedded in a
1.2m thick wall, whose surfaces are
T =200 oC
held at constant temperatures of 1
200oC and 60oC respectively. It is
desired to locate the pipe in wall
where the temperature is 120oC.
Find how far from the hot surface T=120oC
should the pipe be imbedded? The x T2=60oC
thermal conductivity of the wall
material varies with temperature
according to the relation, L=1.2
k=0.28(1+0.036T). Where, T= oC
and k=W/m. oC.
Solution
Thickness of the wall =L=1.2m
T1= 200oC
T2= 60oC
T = 120oC
= 0.036
The rate of heat transfer through a plane wall of variable
thermal conductivity is given by,
T1 + T2 A
Q = k o 1 +
(T1 − T2 ) → (1)
2 L
When, T2= 60oC, L=1.2
T= 120oC L=x=??
Substitute the values in equation (1)
200 + 60 A
Q = 0.28 1 + 0.036 (200 − 60 ) → (2)
2 1.2
200 + 120 A
Q = 0.28 1 + 0.036 (200 − 120 ) → (3)
2 x
Equating equation (2) and (3)
200 + 60 A
0.28 1 + 0.036 (200 − 60 ) =
2 1.2
200 + 120 A
0.28 1 + 0.036 (200 − 120 )
2 x
151.42
185.54 =
x
151.42
x=
185.54
x = 0.816 m