Heat the core of an object or a specific point inside the object?

In summary, there are various ways to heat a specific point inside an object, such as using electromagnetic waves, high-energy charged particles, or focused ultrasound beams. These techniques can be used for various applications, such as treating tumors or engraving objects. However, they may come with drawbacks such as radiation damage or high cost.
  • #1
physior
182
1
hello!

is it possible to heat the core of an object or a specific point inside the object?

or are there specific objects we can do that?

obviously after heating a specific point inside the object, the rest of the object will conductively heat up too, but I wonder if there is a way to transfer thermal energy to a specific point under the surface of an object

thanks
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
If your core has a different material, it can be possible. Find some electromagnetic waves that pass the outer parts but get absorbed in the core.
For a homogeneous material, you can put the focus at the right spot - you still heat up everything, but the focus point gets hotter than everything else.

A more exotic way: high-energetic charged particles in matter have an interesting property - they lose most of their energy within a narrow region at the end of their flight path. If you can tolerate radiation damage and the price, you can use a particle accelerator.

Depending on the applications, there might be more practical ways. Maybe you can place a heating device close to the point you want to heat?
 
  • #3
I wonder if you might use something like two different focused ultrasonic beams that undergo constructive wave interference at the specific point?
 
  • #4
Yes, it is possible and is is done. See HIFU - High Intensity Focused Ultrasound.
For example, here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-intensity_focused_ultrasound

But it's not interference. It's the focusing of the beams at the specific points and the simple addition of the ultrasound powers at that point. In any other "point" along the beams there is only the energy of one beam. At the point of interest the energies all add up and "burn" the tumor or other unwanted tissue.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Similar techniques are used in lithotripsy (with focussing sound waves), and Laser engraving in those clear blocks (using interferometry).
 

FAQ: Heat the core of an object or a specific point inside the object?

How can I heat the core of an object?

To heat the core of an object, you can use various methods such as conduction, convection, or radiation. For conduction, you can place the object on a heat source or use a heating element to transfer heat to the core. For convection, you can use a fluid medium, such as air or water, to transfer heat to the core. And for radiation, you can use electromagnetic waves to directly heat the core of the object.

Can I heat a specific point inside an object?

Yes, it is possible to heat a specific point inside an object. This can be achieved by using a focused heat source, such as a laser or a heat gun, to target and heat the specific point. Alternatively, you can also use a heating element or a heating pad directly on the desired point to heat it.

What factors affect the heating of the core of an object?

The heating of the core of an object can be affected by various factors, such as the material of the object, the heating method used, the surface area of the object, and the surrounding temperature. The material of the object can determine its ability to conduct or retain heat. The heating method used can also affect the rate and efficiency of heating. The surface area of the object can impact how much heat is needed to reach the core. And the surrounding temperature can affect the heat transfer to the core.

How long does it take to heat the core of an object?

The time it takes to heat the core of an object can vary depending on the size, material, and heating method used. Generally, smaller objects with good heat conductivity can heat up faster than larger objects or objects with poor heat conductivity. The heating method used can also affect the time it takes to heat the core, with some methods being more efficient and faster than others.

Is it possible to overheat the core of an object?

Yes, it is possible to overheat the core of an object. This can happen if the heating method used is too intense or if the object is left on the heat source for too long. Overheating can cause the object to melt, deform, or even catch fire. It is important to monitor the heating process carefully and adjust the heat source accordingly to avoid overheating.

Similar threads

I Calculation of temperature changes (heating a cube in a microwave oven)
Replies
9
Views
2K
I Generate heat conduction curves at different time steps
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Estimate thickness of an object based on radiative heat flux decay curve
Replies
2
Views
839
Heat capacity vs Thermal conductivity in a LN2 bath
Replies
26
Views
4K
What will happen to the heat input of the two-phase system?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Does Copper Conduct Heat Better than cPVC?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Heat Transfer and Heat added to a system
Replies
3
Views
1K
Heat Transferred to a Falling Object
Replies
7
Views
3K
I Warm-up time for a hollow cylinder
Replies
5
Views
2K
Heat is infrared radiation....
Replies
16
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top