A common way of measuring the thermal conductivity of a material is to sandwich an electric thermofoil heater between two identical samples of the material. The thickness of the resistance heater, including its cover, which is made of thin silicon rubber, is usually less than 0.5 mm. A circulating fluid such as tap water keeps the exposed ends of the samples at constant temperature. The lateral surfaces of the samples are well insulated to ensure that heat transfer through the samples is one- dimensional. Two thermocouples are embedded in each sample some distance (L) apart, and a differential thermometer reads the temperature drop (Delta T) across this distance along each sample. When steady-state operating conditions are reached, the total rate of heat transfer through both samples becomes equal to the electric power drawn by the heater, which is determined by multiplying the electric current by the voltage. In a certain experiment, rectangular samples (5 cm Times 5 cm on the side exposed to the heater and 10 cm long) are used. The two thermocouples in each sample are placed 3 cm apart. After initial transients, the electric heater is observed to draw 0.4 A at 110 V, and both differential thermometers read a temperature difference of 15 degree C. Determine the thermal conductivity of the sample.

the thermal conductivity of the sample is 22.4 W/m . °C

Explanation:

We already know that the thermal conductivity of a material is to be determined by ensuring one-dimensional heat conduction, and by measuring temperatures when steady operating conditions are reached.

ASSUMPTIONS

1. Steady operating conditions exist since the temperature readings do not change with time.

2. Heat losses through lateral surfaces are well insulated, and thus the entire heat generated by the heater is conducted through the samples.

3. The apparatus possess thermal symmetry

ANALYSIS

The electrical power consumed by resistance heater and converted to heat is:

Wₐ = VI = ( 110 V ) ( 0.4 A ) = 44 W

Q = 1/2Wₐ = 1/2 ( 44 A )

Now since only half of the heat generated flows through each samples because of symmetry. Reading the same temperature difference across the same distance in each sample also confirms that the apparatus possess thermal symmetry. The heat transfer area is the area normal to the direction of heat transfer. which is the cross- sectional area of the cylinder in this case; so

A = 1/4πD² = 1/3 × π × ( 0.05 m )² = 0.001963 m²

Now Note that, the temperature drops by 15 degree Celsius within 3 cm in the direction of heat flow, the thermal conductivity of the sample will be

Q = kA ( ΔT/L ) → k = QL / AΔT

k = ( 22 W × 0.03 m ) / (0.001963 m² × 15°C )

k = 22.4 W/m . °C