LAB SESSION: 2
To Study Fourier’s Law and Evaluate the
Overall Thermal Resistance of a
Composite Bar
2.1 Objectives
The objective of the experiment is to find out the overall heat transfer coefficient of the
composite bar containing two different materials.
2.2 Apparatus
The apparatus of this experiment is simply containing a circular bar on which temperature
sensors are installed and the heat is provided by the electricity.
Temperature Sensors
Simple Brass Bar
Steel Block
Digital Thermometer
Power Supply
Figure 3.2.1: P.A Hilton Heat Conduction H940 Instrument
2.3 Theory
As we all know that the heat conduction occurs due to the temperature changes on a body or
interconnected bodies or materials. So that we have a hot and cold end at the end of bar from
left to right respectively.
2.3.1 Heat Conduction
Heat Conduction is the transfer of the internal energy (heat) from one place to another in the
form of collision of microscopic particles rather than the bulk movement. Conduction is a
major heat exchange phenomenon in the solids as well as liquids which are static. The heat
conduction occurs in every direction. A simple example of heat conduction is that of the long
iron rod heated at one end will gain temperature at the other end.
Figure 3.3.2: Heat Conduction in a rod
2.3.2 Linear Heat Conduction
In our experiment we are dealing with the linear heat conduction so that now our concern is
with one direction. Generally, heat is transferred in all direction but for the sake of simplicity
and validating our experiment objectives the linear conduction is predominant here.
Figure 3.3.3: Linear Heat Conduction
2.3.3 Fourier’s Law for Heat Conduction
Joseph Fourier was a French physicist[1] who contributed in the field of heat transfer and an
empirical relation/law known as the “Fourier’s Law”. The law states that the:
“The heat flux generated in the body which is heated at one end is directly proportional to
the negative of its temperature gradient along the body”.[2]
Where,
q = Heat Flux in x-direction
k = Thermal Conductivity constant of material
dT/dx = The temperature gradient in the direction of x
Take for example of a cup when the hot tea is poured into it the wall conducts the heat as
shown in the figure and illustrated by the Fourier’s law of heat conduction.
2.4 Composite Bar
The bar will be called the composite bar when one or more material of different value of k
will be present on the bar along in one direction. So that each material will have its own heat
transfer coefficient and hence the overall heat transfer coefficient will be calculated by the
experimental procedures.
In most cases its application is found in the wall of house or any other enclosed containers so
overall heat transfer coefficient “U” will be calculated.
The figure can be illustrated as an electrical circuit with three resistances.
The overall heat transfer coefficient is stated as:
T 2−T 1 T 3 −T 2 T 4 −T 3
q=k ( a ) A
∆ xa
= k (b ) A ∆ xb
= k (c ) A ∆ xc
T 1−T 4
q=
∆ xa ∆ xb ∆ xc
+ +
k ( a) A k ( b ) A k ( c ) A
Q=UA∆T
So that the overall heat transfer coefficient will be calculated from the above.
Figure 3.4.4: Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient of everyday materials
2.5 Procedure
First, set the apparatus by inserting the disc in between the rods.
Turn ON the power supply and wait for 10 minutes so that the material is properly heated.
Take readings at different heat flow rates such as 5W, 10W, etc.
Take readings at different sensors from T1 to T9 respectively.
Plot the temperature and distance graph and calculate the temperature gradient from it.
Then put in the formula to find out the coefficient of heat conduction for the material,
Find the mean error in the value.
2.6 Observations & Calculations
Heat T1 T2 T3 T5 T T8 T9 Overall heat
Sr # Input 7 transfer
coefficient
o o o o o o o
W C C C C C C C U
1
Average value of overall heat transfer coefficient =
2.7 Graphs
Temperature vs Distance Graphs
2.8 Conclusions
