Heat Transfer Problem: Finding Temperature Difference in Insulated System

In summary, the problem involves finding the temperature difference between two bodies of masses m_{1} and m_{2} connected by a rod with length l, cross-sectional area A, and thermal conductivity K. At time t=0, the first body has a temperature of T_{1} and the second body has a temperature of T_{2}. The system is thermally insulated and the heat capacity of the rod is negligible. The temperature profile in the rod is linear, and two equations can be set up to relate the heat transferred through the rod to the change in temperatures of the two bodies. These equations can then be solved to find the temperature difference at time t.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Two bodies of masses [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] and [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] and specific heat capacities [itex]s[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] and [itex]s[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] , are connected by a rod of length [itex]l[/itex] and cross-sectional area [itex]A[/itex], thermal conductivity [itex]K[/itex] and negligible heat capacity. The whole system is thermally insulated. At time [itex]t=0[/itex], the temperature of the first body is [itex]T[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] and the temperature of the second body is [itex]T[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] ([itex]T[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] [itex]>[/itex] [itex]T[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] ). Find the temperature difference between the bodies at time [itex]t[/itex].

Homework Equations


[itex] dQ/dt = KAdT/dx[/itex]

[itex] dQ = msdθ [/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution


I was able to set up [itex]2[/itex] equations relating the amount of heat transferred through the rod in a time [itex]dt[/itex] to the rise and fall of temperatures of the masses [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{2}[/itex] and [itex]m[/itex][itex]_{1}[/itex] respectively. I don't know how to proceed after this ?
 
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  • #2
Since the heat capacity of the rod is neglected, the temperature profile in the rod is linear:

dT/dx = (T2-T1)/l

You need to write your second equation twice: once for m1 and once for m2.
Then you can simply solve the equations.
 

FAQ: Heat Transfer Problem: Finding Temperature Difference in Insulated System

What is heat transfer?

Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or substance to another due to a temperature difference. It can occur through conduction, convection, and radiation.

What is a heat transfer problem?

A heat transfer problem is a scenario in which there is a need to predict or analyze the transfer of heat energy between two or more objects or substances. This could involve determining the rate of heat transfer, the final temperature of the system, or the effects of heat transfer on the materials involved.

What are the different types of heat transfer?

There are three main types of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between two objects. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids, such as air or water. Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves.

How is heat transfer calculated?

The rate of heat transfer can be calculated using the equation Q = kA∆T/∆x, where Q is the rate of heat transfer, k is the thermal conductivity of the material, A is the area of heat transfer, ∆T is the temperature difference between the two objects, and ∆x is the distance between them.

Why is heat transfer important?

Heat transfer is important in many areas of science and engineering, as it affects the behavior and properties of materials and systems. Understanding heat transfer is crucial for designing efficient heating and cooling systems, predicting and preventing thermal damage, and studying the Earth's climate and weather patterns.

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