1.

Objective:
To understand the use of the Fouriers law in determining heat rate through
solids in the radial direction.

To determine the thermal conductivity of a material, K.

2. Theory and Principles

Conduction is the transport of energy from the more energetic to the less
energetic particles of a substance due to a temperature gradient, and the physical
mechanism is that of random atomic and molecular activity , Cylindrical and
spherical systems often experience temperature gradients in the radial direction
only and may therefore treated as one dimensional. A common example is the
hollow cylinder, whose inner and outer surfaces are exposed to fluids at different
temperatures

Cold Fluid

Heat transfer through radial systems

2.1 Fourier Law

The amount of heat (Q), which is conducted across the cylinder wall per unit time, is:

2()
Q=

Page | 1
 where,

Q = heat flow rate, [W] Ro = outer radius, [m]

L = thickness of the material, [m]
W Ri = inner radius, [m]
k = thermal conductivity of the material,
Km
Ti = inner section temperature, [K]
To = outer section temperature, [K]

3. Experiment
3.1 Setup:
HT10XC - Service Unit.
HT12C Computer Controlled Radial Heat Conduction Accessory.

C
E

A: Linear Conduction Apparatus

B: Radial Conduction Apparatus

C: Thermistors

D: Thermistor cables

E: Tubing with quick disconnect fittings

Page | 2
3.2 Procedure:
i) Ensure that the cooling water is flowing and then set the heater voltage V.

ii) Monitor temperature T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 until steady-state is reached.

iii) When the temperatures are stabilized, record T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6, V and I.

iv) Reset the voltage and repeat the above procedure again recording the parameters T1, T2,
T3, T4, T5, T6, V and I when temperatures have stabilized.

3.3 Results:

V I T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
(7mm) (10mm) (20mm) (30mm) (40mm) (50mm)
10 1.61 39.9 37.8 35.1 30 28 26.6
20 3.23 85.2 77.1 60.4 45.5 37.8 31.6

We can calculate T7 using the curve best fit equation after plotting (T against R)

Page | 3
3.4 Plotting:

100

90

80

70
y = -27.69ln(x) - 50.8
60
10 Volt

50 20 Volt
Log. (10 Volt)
40
Log. (20 Volt)
30
y = -6.904ln(x) + 6.2037
20

10

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06

Best fit equation for 20 volt curve

Y= -27.69ln(x)-50.8

Best fit equation for 10 volt curve

Y= -6.9ln(x)+6.2037

To calculate T7 at 55mm (x) :

From the 20 volt curve gives us = 29.51

From the 10 Volt curve gives us = 26.21

Page | 4
3.4 Calculating K :

At V = 10v

Q = 16.1 W , Ro = 50mm , Ri = 7mm , Ti = 39.9C , To = 26.6C , L=3.2mm

2()
Q=

K = 118.37 W/mC

At V= 20v

Q = 64.6 W , Ro = 50mm , Ri = 7mm , Ti = 85.2C , To = 31.6C , L=3.2mm

2()
Q=

K = 117.85 W/mC

4. Conclusion:
From the experiment we conclude that we can calculate the conductivity coefficient ( K ) for a
metal cylinder using Fouriers law , but we must keep in mind the error rate from heat leaks ,
faulty equipment , bad heat conducting paste and human reading errors .

Page | 5