Module 5: Worked out problems

Problem 1:
A microwave oven operates on the principle that application of a high frequency field causes
electrically polarized molecules in food to oscillate. The net effect is a uniform generation of
thermal energy within the food, which enables it to be heated from refrigeration temperatures
to 90º in as short a time as 30 s.

Known: Microwave and radiant heating conditions for a slab of beef.

Find: Sketch temperature distributions at specific times during heating and cooling.

Schematic:

Assumptions: (1) one-dimensional conduction in x, (2) uniform internal heat generation for
microwave, (3) uniform surface heating for radiant oven, (4) heat loss from surface of meat to
surroundings is negligible during the heat process, (5) symmetry about mid plane.

Analysis:
Comments:
(1) With uniform generation and negligible surface heat loss, the temperature distribution
remains nearly uniform during microwave heating. During the subsequent surface cooling,
the maximum temperature is at the mid plane.

(2) The interior of the meat is heated by conduction from the hotter surfaces during radiant
heating, and the lowest temperature is at the mid plane. The situation is reversed shortly after
cooling begins, and the maximum temperature is at the mid plane.
Problem 2:
The heat transfer coefficient for air flowing over a sphere is to be determined by observing
the temperature- time history of a sphere fabricated from pure copper. The sphere which is
12.7 mm in diameter is at 66º C before it is inserted into an air stream having a temperature
of 27ºC. A thermocouple on the outer surface of the sphere indicates 55ºC, 69 s after the
sphere is inserted into an air stream. Assume, and then justify, that the sphere behaves as a
space-wise isothermal object and calculate the heat transfer coefficient.

Known: The temperature-time history of a pure copper sphere in air stream.

Find: The heat transfer coefficient between and the air stream

Schematic:

Assumptions: (1) temperature of sphere is spatially uniform, (2) negligible radiation

exchange, (3) constant properties.

Properties: From table of properties, pure copper (333K): =8933 kg/m3, cp=389 J/kg.K,
k=389W/m.K

Analysis: the time temperature history is given by

1
Rt =
hAs As = πD 2
θ (t ) ⎛ t ⎞
= exp⎜⎜ − ⎟
⎟ Where C t = ρVc p πD 3
θi ⎝ Rt C t ⎠ V=
θ = T − T∞ 6

Recognize that when t = 69 s

θ (t ) (55 − 27 )° C ⎛ t ⎞ ⎛ 69 s ⎞
= = 0.718 = exp⎜⎜ − ⎟ = exp⎜ −
⎟ ⎜ τ ⎟
⎟
θi (66 − 27 ) C
°
⎝ τt ⎠ ⎝ t ⎠

And noting that τ t = Rt C t find

τ t = 208s
Hence,
 ρVc p 8933kg / m 3 (π 0.0127 3 m 3 / 6)389 J / kg.K
h= =
As τ t π 0.0127 2 m 2 × 208s
h = 35.3 W / m 2 .K

Comments: Note that with Lc =D0 / 6

hLc 0.0127
Bi = = 35.3W / m 2 .K × m / 398 W / m.K = 1.88 × 10 − 4
k 6
Hence Bi<0.1 and the spatially isothermal assumption is reasonable.
Problem 3:
A thermal energy storage unit consists of a large rectangular channel, which is well insulated
on its outer surface and enclosed alternating layers of the storage material and the flow
passage. Each layer of the storage material is aluminium slab of width=0.05m which is at an
initial temperatures of 25ºC. consider the conditions for which the storage unit is charged by
passing a hot gas through the passages, with the gas temperature and convection coefficient
assumed to have constant values of T=600ºC and h=100W/m2.K throughout the channel how
long will it take to achieve 75% of the maximum possible energy storage? What is the
temperature of the aluminium at this time?

Known: Configuration, initial temperature and charging conditions of a thermal energy

storage unit.

Find: Time required achieving 75% of maximum possible energy storage. Temperature of
storage medium at this time.

Schematic:

Assumptions: (1) one-dimensional conduction, (2) constant properties, (3) negligible heat
exchange with surroundings.

Properties: From any table of properties: Aluminum, pure (T 600K=327C): k=231W/m.K,

c= 1033 J/kg.K, =2702kg/m3.

Analysis: recognizing the characteristic length is the half thickness, find

hL 100 W / m 2 .K × 0.025m
Bi = = = 0.011
k 231 W / m.K

Hence, the lumped capacitance method may be used.

Q = ( ρVc )θ i [1 − exp( −t / τ i )] = − ΔE st
− ΔE st , max = ( ρVc )θ i

Dividing eq. (1) and (2), the condition sought is for

ΔE st / ΔE st , max = 1 − exp( −t / τ th ) = 0.75

Solving for τ th and substituting numerical values, find

ρVc ρLc 2702kg / m 3 × 0.025m ×1033J / kg.K
τ th = = = = 698s
hAs h 100W / m 2 .K
Hence, the time required is

-exp (-t/698s) =-0.25 or t=968s.

T − T∞
= exp(−t / τ th )
Ti − T∞
T = T∞ + (Ti − T∞ ) exp(−t / τ th ) = 600°C − (575°C ) exp(−968 / 698)
T=456°C

Comments: for the prescribed temperatures, the property temperatures dependence is

significant and some error is incurred by assuming constant properties. However, selecting at
600K was reasonable for this estimate.
Problem 4:
A one-dimensional plane wall with a thickness of 0.1 m initially at a uniform temperature of
250C is suddenly immersed in an oil bath at 30°C. assuming the convection heat transfer
coefficient for the wall in the bath is 500 W/m2.K. Calculate the surface temperature of the
wall 9 min after immersion. The properties of the wall are k=50 W/m.K, ρ=7835 kg/m3, and
c=465 J/kg.K.

Known: plane wall, initially at a uniform temperature, is suddenly immersed in an oil bath
and subjected to a convection cooling process.

Find: Surface temperature of the wall nine minutes after immersion, T (L, 9 min).

Schematic:

K=50W/m.k
=7835kg/m3
c=465J/kg.K

T =30 C
h=500W/m2.K T ,h

T(L,qmin)

x
2L=0.1m Ti=T(x,0)=250 C

Assumptions: The Biot number for the plane wall is

hLc 500 W / m 2 .K × 0.05 m

Bi = = = 0.50
k 50 W / m.K

Since Bi>0.1, lumped capacitance analysis is not appropriate.

αt (k / ρ c)t 50W / m.K / 7835 kg / m 3 × 465 J / kg .K × (9 × 60 ) s

Fo = = = = 2 .96
L2 L2 ( 0 .05 m ) 2

And Bi-1=1/0.50 = 2, find

θ 0 T (0, t ) − T∞
= ≈ 0.3
θi Ti − T∞

We know that Bi-1=1/0.50 = 2 and for X/L=1, find

θ (1, t )
≈ 0.8
θ0
By combining equation, θ (1, t ) =0.8( θ 0 ) = 0.8(0.3 θ i ) =0.24 θ i

θ = T ( L, t ) − T∞ and θ i = Ti − T∞ , it follows that

Recalling that
T ( L, t ) = T∞ + 0.24 (Ti − T∞ ) = 30°C + 0.24 (250 − 30)°C = 83°C

Comments: (1) note that figure provides a relationship between the temperature at any x/L
and the centerline temperature as a function of only the Biot number. Fig applies to the
centerline temperature which is a function of the Biot number and the Fourier number. The
centerline temperature at t=9min follows from equation with

T (0, t ) − T∞ = 0.3(Ti − T∞ ) = 0.3(250 − 30)°C = 66°C

(2) Since F0>=0.2, the approximate analytical solution for θ* is valid. From table with
Bi=0.50, and ζ1 =0.6533 rad and C1=1.0701. Substituting numerical values into equations

θ*=0.303 and θ*(1, FO) =0.240

From this value, find T (L, 9 min) =83°C which is identical to graphical result.
Problem 5:
A long cylinder of 30mm diameter, initially at a uniform temperature of 1000K, is suddenly
quenched in a large, constant-temperature oil bath at 350K. The cylinder properties are
k=1.7W/m.K, c=1600 J/kg.K, and ρ=400 kg/m3, while the convection coefficient is
50W/m2.K. Calculate the time required for the surface cylinder to reach 500K.

Known: A long cylinder, initially at a uniform temperature, is suddenly quenched in large oil
bath.

Find: time required for the surface to reach 500K.

Schematic:

Assumptions: (1) one dimensional radial conduction, (2) constant properties

Analysis: check whether lumped capacitance methods are applicable.

hLc h(r0 / 2) 50W / m 2 .K (0.015m / 2)

BI c = = = = 0.221
k k 1.7W / m.K

Since BI c >0.1, method is not suited. Using the approximate series solutions for the infinite
cylinder,

θ * (r * , Fo) = C1 exp(−ς 12 Fo) × J o (ς 12 r * )

Solving for Fo and letting =1, find

1 ⎡ θ* ⎤
Fo = − ln ⎢ ⎥
ς 12 2
⎣⎢ C1 J o (ς 1 ) ⎦⎥

T (ro , t o ) − T∞ (500 − 350) K

where θ * (1, F0 ) = = = 0.231
Ti − T∞ (1000 − 350) K
From table, Bi=0.441, find ς 1 =0.8882 rad and C1=1.1019. From table find Jo ( ς 12 ) =0.8121.
Substituting numerical values into equation,
 1
Fo = − ln[0.231 / 1.1019 × 0.8121] = 1.72
(0.8882) 2

αt ρc
From the definition of the Fourier number, Fo = 2
= Fo .ro 2
ro k

t = 1.72 (0.015m) 2 × 400 kg / m 3 ×1600 J / kg.K / 1.7W / m.K = 145 s

Comments: (1) Note that Fo>=0.2, so approximate series solution is appropriate.

(2) Using the Heisler chart, find Fo as follows. With Bi-1=2.27, find from fir r/ro=1 that

θ (ro , t ) T (ro , t ) − T∞ 1
= ≈ 0.8 or T (0, t ) = T∞ + [T (ro , t ) − T∞ ] = 537 K
θo T (0, t )0 − T∞ 0.8

From
θo (537 − 350) K
hence = = 0.29
θ i (1000 − 350) K

θo
fig, with =0.29 and Bi-1 =2.27, find Fo ≈ 1.7 and eventually obtain t ≈ 144s.
θi
Problem 6:
In heat treating to harden steel ball bearings (c=500 J/kg.K, ρ=7800 kg/m3, k=50 W/m.K) it
is desirable to increase the surface temperature for a short time without significantly warming
the interior of the ball. This type of heating can be accomplished by sudden immersion of the
ball in a molten salt bath with T∞=1300 K and h= 5000 W/m2.K. Assume that any location
within the ball whose temperature exceeds 1000 K will be hardened. Estimate the time
required to harden the outer millimeter of a ball of diameter 20 mm if its initial temperature is
300 K.

Known: A ball bearing is suddenly immersed in a molten salt bath; heat treatment to harden
occurs at locations with T>1000K.

Find: time required to harden outer layer of 1mm.

Schematic:

Assumptions: (1) one-dimensional radial conduction, (2) constant properties, (3) Fo≥0.2.

Analysis: since any location within the ball whose temperature exceeds 1000K will be
hardened, the problem is to find the time when the location r=9mm reaches 1000K. Then a
1mm outer layer is hardened. Using the approximate series solution, begin by finding the Biot
number.

hro 5000 W / m 2 .K (0.020m / 2)

Bi = = = 1.00
k 50 W / m.K

Using the appropriate solution form for a sphere solved for Fo , find
1 ⎡ 1 ⎤
Fo = − ln ⎢θ * / C1 sin(ς 1 r * )⎥
ς 12 ⎢⎣ ς 1r *
⎥⎦
From table, with Bi=1.00, for the sphere find ς 1 =1.5708 rad and C1 =1.2732. with r* =r/ro=
(9mm/10mm)=0.9, substitute numerical values.

1 ⎡ (1000 − 1300) K 1 ⎤
Fo = − ln ⎢ / 1.2732 sin(1.5708 × 0.9rad )⎥ = 0.441
⎣ (300 − 1300) K 1.5708 × 0.9
2
(1.5708) ⎦

From the definition of the Fourier number with α=k/ρc,

2
r 2o ρc ⎛ 0.020 ⎞ kg J
t = Fo = Fo .r 2 = 0.441× ⎜ ⎟ 7800 3 × 500 / 50W / m.K = 3.4 s
α k ⎝ 2 ⎠ m kg .K

Comments: (1) note the very short time required to harden the ball. At this time it can be
easily shown the center temperature is T(0,3.4s)=871K.

(2) The Heisler charts can also be used. From fig, with Bi-1=1.0 and r/r0=0.9, read θ/θo
=0.69(±0.03). since

θ = T − T∞ = 1000 − 1300 = −300 K θ i = Ti − T∞ = −1000 K

It follows that

θ θ θ θo θ θ
= 0.30 since = . then = 0.69 o ,
θi θi θo θi θi θi

θ o 0.30
And then = = 0.43(±0.02)
θ i 0.69

θo
From fig at =0.43, Bi-1=1.0, read FO =0.45( ± 0.3) and t=3.5 ( ± 0.2) s.
θi
Note the use of tolerances assigned as acceptable numbers dependent upon reading the charts
to ±5%.
Problem 7:
The convection coefficient for flow over a solid sphere may be determined by submerging
the sphere, which is initially at 25°C, into the flow, which is at 75°C and measuring its
surface temperature at some time during the transient heating process. The sphere has a
diameter of 0.1m, and its thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are 15 W/m.K and 10-
5 2
m /s, respectively. If the convection coefficient is 300W/m2.K, at what time will a surface
temperature of 60°C be recorded?

Known: Initial temperatures and properties of solid sphere. Surface temperatures after
immersion in a fluid of prescribed temperatures and convection coefficient.

Find: The process time

Schematic:

D=0.1m T(ro,t)=60°C

K=15W/m.K
a=10-5m2/s
T8 =75 C Ti=25 C
h=300W/m2.K

Assumptions: (1) one-dimensional, radial conduction, (2) constant properties.

Analysis: the Biot number is

h(r0 / 3) 300W / m 2 .K (0.05m / 3)

Bi = = = 0.333
k 15W / m.K

Hence the lumped capacitance methods should be used. From equation

T − T∞ sin(ς 1 r * )
= C1 exp(−ς 12 Fo )
Ti − T∞ ς 1r *

At the surface, r * =1. from table , for Bi=1.0, ς 1 =1.5708 rad and C1=1.2732. hence,

60 − 75 sin 90°
= 0.30 = 1.2732 exp (−1.5708 2 Fo ) +Exp (-2.467F0) =0.370
25 − 75 1.5708
 αt (0.05m) 2
Fo = = 0.403
r02 10 −5 m 2 / s
t=100s

Comments:

Use of this technique to determine h from measurement of T (ro) at a prescribed t requires an

iterative solution of the governing equations.