PROBLEM 2.

19
KNOWN: Identical samples of prescribed diameter, length and density initially at a uniform
temperature Ti, sandwich an electric heater which provides a uniform heat flux q ′′o for a period of
time ∆to. Conditions shortly after energizing and a long time after de-energizing heater are prescribed.
FIND: Specific heat and thermal conductivity of the test sample material. From these properties,
identify type of material using Table A.1 or A.2.
SCHEMATIC:

ASSUMPTIONS: (1) One dimensional heat transfer in samples, (2) Constant properties, (3)
Negligible heat loss through insulation, (4) Negligible heater mass.
ANALYSIS: Consider a control volume about the samples
and heater, and apply conservation of energy over the time
interval from t = 0 to ∞

E in − E out = ∆E = E f − E i

P∆t o − 0 = Mc p ⎡⎣ T ( ∞ ) − Ti ⎤⎦

where energy inflow is prescribed by the power condition and the final temperature Tf is known.
Solving for cp,

P ∆t o 15 W × 120 s
cp = =
( )
M ⎣⎡T ( ∞ ) − Ti ⎦⎤ 2 × 3965 kg/m3 π × 0.0602 / 4 m 2 × 0.010 m [33.50-23.00]D C

c p = 765 J / kg ⋅ K <
2
where M = ρV = 2ρ(πD /4)L is the mass of both samples. The transient thermal response of the
heater is given by

Continued …..

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 PROBLEM 2.19 (Cont.)

1/ 2
⎡ t ⎤
To ( t ) − Ti = 2q′′o ⎢ ⎥
⎢⎣ πρ cp k ⎥⎦
2
t ⎡ 2q′′o ⎤
k= ⎢ ⎥
πρ cp ⎢⎣ To ( t ) − Ti ⎥⎦

2
30 s ⎡ 2 × 2653 W/m 2 ⎤
k= ⎢ ⎥ = 36.0 W/m ⋅ K <
3 ⎢ D
π × 3965 kg/m × 765 J/kg ⋅ K ⎣ ( 24.57 - 23.00 ) C ⎥⎦

where

P P 15 W
q′′o = = = = 2653 W/m 2 .
(
2As 2 π D 2 / 4
) (
2
2 π × 0.060 / 4 m 2
)
With the following properties now known,

3
ρ = 3965 kg/m cp = 765 J/kg⋅K k = 36 W/m⋅K

entries in Table A.1 are scanned to determine whether these values are typical of a metallic material.
Consider the following,

• metallics with low ρ generally have higher thermal conductivities,

• specific heats of both types of materials are of similar magnitude,

• the low k value of the sample is typical of poor metallic conductors which generally have
much higher specific heats,

• more than likely, the material is nonmetallic.

From Table A.2, the second entry, polycrystalline aluminum oxide, has properties at 300 K
corresponding to those found for the samples. <

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