Department of Mechanical Engineering

TOPIC: Heat and Mass Transfer (ME1053)

Transient Heat Conduction & Heisler Chart

 Transient Heat Conduction
1. Transient Problems are time dependent
2. More practical
3. The temperature of such a body varies with time as well as
position T (x, y, z, t)
4. Now assuming all changes with respect to position=0, the problem is a
function of temperature only. Such problems are called 0D problems.
5. Here, for 𝐾 → ∞, there is no resistance to hat flow inside the solid.
6. It offers simplification of complex process through differential equn.
Approaches Discussed:
1. Lumped Approach
2. Heisler Charts
 Lumped Capacitance Model
1. Temperature is essentially uniform throughout
the body.
𝑇∞ 2. Here, we neglect variation of temperature as
a function of space.
3. A body is treated as a point.
4. Temperature variation within the body is
ignored. That is, for lumped mass,
temperature everywhere is same.
5. T (x, y, z, t) = 3D transient Problem
6. T (t) = 0D Transient Problem
𝑇𝑠
 Lumped Capacitance Model (Contd.)
From energy balance,

𝐸𝑖𝑛 − 𝐸𝑜𝑢𝑡 + 𝐸𝑔𝑒𝑛 = 𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑

𝐸𝑖𝑛 = 0

𝐸𝑔𝑒𝑛 = 0

𝐸𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 + 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐸𝑜𝑢𝑡 = ℎ𝐴 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ + 𝐴𝜎𝜀 𝑇𝑠 4 − 𝑇∞4

𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 = 𝜌𝑉𝐶𝑇 [For solids, internal energy of Control Volume]

𝜕𝑇
𝜌𝑉𝐶 = −ℎ𝐴 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ − 𝐴𝜎𝜀 𝑇𝑠 4 − 𝑇∞4
𝜕𝑡

Case 1: Convection is dominating

Case 2: Radiation is dominating

 Lumped Capacitance Model (Contd.)
𝜕𝑇
𝜌𝑉𝐶 = −ℎ𝐴 𝑇 − 𝑇∞
𝜕𝑡

𝜕𝑇 −ℎ𝐴
𝜕𝑡
= 𝜌𝑉𝐶 𝑇 − 𝑇∞

𝜕𝑇 −ℎ𝐴
= 𝜕𝑡
𝑇−𝑇∞ 𝜌𝑉𝐶

Putting 𝜃 = 𝑇 − 𝑇∞

𝑑𝜃 −ℎ𝐴
= d𝑡
𝜃 𝜌𝑉𝐶

−ℎ𝐴
Ln (𝜃) = 𝜌𝑉𝐶 t +ln (C1)

At t=0, T= 𝑇𝑖 , 𝜃 = 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞ ≈ 𝑇𝑖
 Lumped Capacitance Model (Contd.)
−ℎ𝐴
Ln (𝜃) = t +ln (C1)
𝜌𝑉𝐶

𝑉 ℎ𝐴 ℎ ℎ𝐿𝑐 𝐾 𝑡 ℎ𝐿𝑐 𝛼𝑡
Now, since 𝐿𝑐 = 𝐴 , 𝜌𝑉𝐶
t = 𝜌𝑉𝐿 = 𝐾
× 𝜌𝐶 × 𝐿2 = 𝐾
× 𝐿2 = 𝐵𝑖 × 𝐹𝑜
𝑐 𝑐 𝑐

Here,
ℎ𝐿𝑐
Biot No (Bi) = 𝐾

𝐾
Thermal Diffusivity 𝛼 =
𝜌𝐶

𝛼𝑡
Fourier No (𝐹𝑜) =
𝐿2𝑐

At t=0, T= 𝑇𝑖 , 𝜃 = 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞ ≈ 𝑇𝑖
−ℎ𝐴
t
𝜃 = 𝜃𝑖 𝑒 𝜌𝑉𝐶
 Lumped Capacitance Model (Contd.)
Now,

𝜃 = 𝑇 − 𝑇∞ , 𝜃𝑖 = 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞ Where 𝑇𝑖 = Initial Temperature

ℎ𝐴
𝑡 = A non-dimensional parameter
𝜌𝑉𝐶

Now,

ℎ𝐴 𝑡
𝜌𝑉𝐶
=𝜏

𝜌𝑉𝐶
Time Constant 𝜏 = ℎ𝐴
= 𝑅𝐶

1
R= Resistance to convection heat transfer = ℎ𝐴

C = Lumped thermal capacitance of the solid = 𝜌𝑉𝐶

 Lumped Capacitance Model (Contd.)
𝝆𝑽𝑪
What is the Physical significance of Time Constant 𝝉 = ?
𝒉𝑨

When temperature changes, a body adapt to this change. The rate of change
𝑡 ℎ𝐴
could be fast or slow. For small value of 𝜏 , 𝜏 = 𝜌𝑉𝐶 becomes large.

Hence, 𝑒 −𝐿𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 → 0. Hence, 𝜃 = 𝑇 − 𝑇∞ → 0. Thus, in very short

time, 𝑇 will approach 𝑇∞ . Hence the body will quickly come to ambient
temperature.

Short 𝜏 means very fast response to the temperature change.

𝑡 ℎ𝐴
For large value of 𝜏 , 𝜏 = 𝜌𝑉𝐶 → 0, becomes small.

Hence 𝑒 −𝑆𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

= 𝑒 0 → 1, 𝜃 → 𝜃𝑖 . Hence temperature change will be
slow.
Time Constant

θ
= 0.368
θi t=τ
Criteria of the Lumped System Analysis
At a solid boundary,

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣

𝑇𝑠,1 −𝑇𝑠,2
𝐾𝐴 𝐿𝑐
= ℎ𝐴(𝑇𝑠,2 −𝑇∞ )

𝑇𝑠,1 −𝑇𝑠,2 ℎ𝐿𝑐

𝑇𝑠,2 −𝑇∞
= 𝐾
= 𝐵𝑖

𝑉
𝐿𝑐 = Characteristic Length = 𝐴
V=Volume
A=Area
𝐿𝑐 =
i. L for a plane wall of thickness 2L
ii. r/2 for long cylinder
iii. r/3 for Sphere
Criteria of the Lumped System Analysis
𝑉
𝐿𝑐 = Characteristic Length = 𝐴

V=Volume indicating Storage of thermal energy

A=Area (Surface over which heat losses occur)

If 𝐴 ≫ 𝑉, Heat Transfer ≫ Heat Storage

𝑉 𝑉
≫
𝐴 𝑅𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟 𝐴 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔

Chvrinov’s Casting Solidification Rule

 Biot Number
1. The Biot number (Bi) is a dimensionless quantity used in heat
transfer calculations.

2. It informs the relative importance of conduction and convection

in determining the temperature history of a body.
𝐿𝑐
ℎ𝐿𝑐 𝐾 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑
𝐵𝑖 = 𝐾
= 1 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
= 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣
ℎ

3. Generally, 𝐵𝑖 ≤ 0.1 Lumped Capacitance condition can be

assumed.

4. Small bodies with higher k and low h are most likely satisfy Bi ≤
0.1.
 Biot Number (Contd.)
5. For 𝐵𝑖 > 0.1 , 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑
> 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑣 , hence Lumped
capacitances is not
applicable due to wide
range of temperature
distribution on the
sample.

6. When k is low and h is

high, large temperature
differences occur between
the inner and outer
regions of the body.
Biot Number (Contd.)
 Numerical Discussions
1. A long wire of diameter D=1mm is submerged in an oil bath of
temperature 𝑇∞ = 250 C. The wire has an electrical resistance per
unit length 𝑅𝑒 = 0.01 ohm/m. If a current of I= 100 A flows
through the win: and the convection coefficient is h = 500 W/
𝑚2 K, what is the steady state temperature of the wire? From the
time the current is applied, how long does it take for the wire to
reach a temperature which is within 10 C of the steady state value?
The properties of the wire are 𝜌 =8000 kg/𝑚3 , c = 500 J/kg.K
and k = 20 W/m.K
 Numerical Discussions (Contd.)
Step 1: Find out Biot No:
ℎ𝑉 ℎ.𝜋𝑅2 𝐿 ℎ𝑅 500×0.0005
Bi = 𝐾𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑅𝐿𝐾
= 2𝐾 = 2×20
= 0.00625 < 0.1

Hence, sufficient condition for Lumped analysis is found to be

valid.
Step 2: Control Volume analysis of the electrical wire
𝜕 𝑑
Being a lumped property, we can write 𝜕𝑡 = 𝑑𝑡
𝑑
Now, 𝐸𝑖𝑛 − 𝐸𝑜𝑢𝑡 + 𝐸𝑔𝑒𝑛 = 𝑑𝑡 𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒

𝐸𝑖𝑛 = 0, No energy input

𝐸𝑜𝑢𝑡 = 2𝜋𝑅𝐿ℎ 𝑇 − 𝑇∞
𝐸𝑔𝑒𝑛 = 𝐼 2 𝑅𝑒 𝐿
 Numerical Discussions (Contd.)
𝑑 𝑑𝑇
𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒 = 𝜌𝐶𝑉𝑡 = 𝜌𝐶𝜋𝑅 2 𝐿
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

Thus, the equation gets modified as

𝑑𝑇
−𝐴ℎ 𝑇 − 𝑇∞ + 𝐼 2 𝑅𝑒 = 𝜌𝐶𝑉 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑇
−2𝜋𝑅𝐿ℎ 𝑇 − 𝑇∞ + 𝐼 2 𝑅𝑒 𝐿 = 𝜌𝐶𝜋𝑅 2 𝐿
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑇 ℎ×2𝜋𝑅
= 𝑇 − 𝑇∞
𝑑𝑡 𝜌𝐶𝑝 𝑅2

4𝐼2 𝑅𝑒 4𝜋
𝐶1 = 𝜌𝐶 2 , 𝐶2 = 𝜌𝐶
𝑝 𝜋𝐷 𝑝𝐷

𝑑𝑇
Now, for Steady-State Condition, =0
𝑑𝑡

𝐼 2 𝑅𝑒 𝐿 = 2𝜋𝑅 𝑇 − 𝑇∞

T = 88.70 C
 Numerical Discussions (Contd.)
𝑑𝑇
𝑑𝑡
+ 𝐶1 𝑇 − 𝑇∞ + 𝐶2 Putting 𝑇 − 𝑇∞ = 𝜃
𝑑𝜃 𝐶
= −𝐶1 𝜃 − 𝐶2
𝑑𝑡 1

𝐶
𝑙𝑛 𝜃 − 𝐶2 = −𝐶1 𝑡 + 𝐶3 , 𝐶3 = Constants of integration
1

𝐶
𝑇−𝑇∞ − 2
𝐶1 −𝐶1 𝑡
𝐶 =𝑒
𝑇𝑖 −𝑇∞ − 2
𝐶1

𝑇∞ = 25,

𝑇𝑖 = 25
4ℎ
𝐶1 = 𝜌𝐶 = 0.5𝑠 −1
𝑝𝐷

𝐶2
𝐶1
= 63.7 , T = 88.7C, t=8.31s
 Numerical Discussions (Contd.)

2. Steel ball of 12mm dia are annealed by heating them to 1150K and
then slowly cooled to 400K. In an air environment, 𝑇∞ = 350𝐾, ℎ
20𝑊 40𝑊 7800𝐾𝑔 600𝐽
= 𝑚2 𝐾 , 𝐾 = 𝑚𝐾
,𝜌 = 𝑚3
,𝐶 = 𝐾𝑔
.𝐾 . Find the time needed to

cool.
4
𝑉 𝜋𝑟 3
Step 1: 𝐿𝑐 = 𝐴 = 3
4𝜋𝑟 2

ℎ𝐿𝑐
Step 2: Bi = 𝐾

𝐴ℎ
𝑇−𝑇∞ 𝜃 − 𝑡
𝑇𝑖 −𝑇∞
=𝜃 =𝑒 𝜌𝐶𝑉
𝑖
 Numerical Discussions (Contd.)
3. Determine the thermocouple junction
diameter needed to have a time constant
of one second.
Ambient: T∞ =
200◦C,
h = 400 W/m2 K
Material properties:
k = 20 W/m K, Cp =
400 J/kg K, ρ =
8500 kg/m3

Ans: 0.706 mm
Known
Numerical Discussions (Contd.)
1. Thermo-physical properties of the thermocouple junction used to
measure the temperature of a gas stream.
2. Thermal environmental conditions.

Aim. (To Find): Junction diameter needed for a time constant of 1 second.
Assumptions
1. Temperature of the junction is uniform at any instant.
2. Radiation exchange with the surroundings is negligible.
3. Losses by conduction through the leads is negligible.
4. Constant properties.
 Numerical Discussions (Contd.)

V πD3/6 D hLc
Lc = = = Bi = = 2.35 × 10−3 < 0.1
A πD 2 6 k
ρCpV ρCpD
τ = =
hA 6h

D = 0.706 mm

Criterion for using the lumped capacitance model is satisfied and the lumped
capacitance method may be used to an excellent approximation.

Comments

Heat transfer due to radiation exchange between the junction and the surroundings
and conduction through the leads would affect the time response of the junction
and would, in fact, yield an equilibrium temperature that differs from T∞.
 Heisler Chart
1. A graphical technique to evaluate one-dimensional transient
conductive heat transfer in HMT.

2. These are extensively used to determine the temperature

distribution and heat flow rate.

3. When Lumped capacitance model is unusable, go for Heisler

Charts.

4. It is valid only when necessary condition for Heislar Chart to

be valid is Fourier No must be greater than 0.2, i.e.
𝛼𝑡
𝐹0 = 𝐿2
> 0.2
 Heisler Chart (Contd.)
Stepwise Analysis to be followed:

1. Gradually solve the problem by moving from Chart 1 to

Chart 3.

2. First, determine Biot Number and Fourier No.

3. Find Centerline Temperature 𝜃0 using Chart 1.

4. Calculate temperature along any section 𝜃 using Chart 2.

5. Determine the Heat loss/gain (Q).

Heisler Chart
 Heisler 1st Chart
1. Cylinder, sphere are exposed to convective heat transfer.

2. Temperature inside the solid will vary with time and space.

3. At t=0, T=𝑇𝑖 (uniform Temperature throughout initially)

4. At t=0, 𝜃0 =𝜃𝑖 = 0 All points in the solid will be in constant

temperature.

5. As time progress, a family of curves are obtained.

6. It provides mid-plane temperature for an infinite plate of thickness 2L

7. It provides temperature distribution as a function of centerline

temperature in an infinite plate of thickness 2L.

8. It provides guidelines how centerline temperature varies with time for

different values of Bi no.
 Heisler 1st Chart (Contd.)
1. Heisler 1st Chart, x axis is Fourier Number containing time
parameter (t), Y axis is Centre-Line Temperature. Find
value of Fourier Number corresponding to the time at
which temperature is required to be measured.
2. Move up along Y axis, identify Bi suitable to your material
and move towards Y axis to find value of 𝜃0 = 𝑇0 − 𝑇∞ .
3. Here, 𝑇𝑖 & 𝑇∞ = Fixed value, independent of time &
Constant. Find how this Centre-Line Temperature 𝜃0 is
changing with time.
4. Now, if we need to find temperature at any section in
between, then what to do?
5. Then we move to curve 2.
 Heisler 1st Chart
𝜃0 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑙𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
𝜃𝑖
= 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒

𝐾 1
1 =
ℎ𝐿𝑐 𝐵𝑖
Inverse Biot No. Increases
𝜃0 (𝑡)
𝜃𝑖

0 𝛼𝑡
= 𝐹𝑜
𝐿2
 Heisler 2nd Chart
The family of curves reveals temperature are at different locations of the
solid.

x/L=0=Centre-line, x/L=1=Boundary. i.e. temperature at different

locations of the solid are determined.

1. In Heisler 2nd Chart, along x axis, from the calculated value of

inverse of Biot Number, go along Y axis upto x/L=0.5. Then identify
𝜃
the corresponding Y axis value. Now find the value of . 𝜃0 is
𝜃 0
already obtained from curve 1. Hence, 𝜃 can be calculated.

2. To calculate the amount of heat gained/lost the energy content of the

body at any instant of time need to be calculated. How to do so?

3. Then we move to curve 3.

 Heisler 2nd Chart
𝜃 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
=
𝜃0 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑙𝑛𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒

𝜃
𝜃0

0 𝐾 1
=
ℎ𝐿 𝐵𝑖
 Heisler 3rd Chart
The family of curves are at different locations of the solid.

It depicts Q (heat losses/Gained for the infinite plate/cylinder/sphere.

𝑄0 = Initial internal energy of the body at initial temperature 𝑇𝑖

𝑄0 = 𝜌𝐶𝑉 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞ = 𝜌𝐶𝑉𝜃𝑖

Q = Actual heat loss/gain by the body in time (t).

Hence, it Fourier & Biot No are known, the graphs can be used to calculate
Q, since the initial energy content (𝑄0 ) is known to you.

Hence, heating and cooling problems can be solved using these charts.
 Heisler 3rd Chart

𝑄 ℎ𝐿
𝑄0 = 𝐵𝑖
𝐾

0
ℎ2 𝛼𝑡
2
= 𝐹0 𝐵𝑖 2
𝐾
Heisler Chart (Contd.)
Heisler Chart (Contd.)
Heisler Chart (Contd.)
 Numerical Discussions
Consider a steel pipeline that is 1m in diameter and has a wall thickness of 40 mm. The
pipe is heavily insulated on the outside and before the initiation of the flow, the walls of
the pipe are at uniform temperature of −200C. Hot oil of 600C is pumped through the
pipe creating a convective surface condition corresponding to h = 500W/𝑚2: at the inner
surface.

1. What are the appropriate Biot and Fourier numbers 8 minutes after use flow?

2. At t=8 mins, What is the temperature of the exterior pipe surface covered by the
insulation?

3. What is the heat flux to the pipe from the oil at t= 8 min?

4. How much energy per metre of pipe length has been transferred from the oil to the
pipe in 8 min?

5. Given: At average temperature, p= 7823 kg/𝑚3 , C =434J/Kg.K, K= 63.9W/m,

𝛼 = 18.8 × 10−6 𝑚2 /s.
 Numerical Discussions
T (x,0) =Ti= −200 𝐶
Insulated h=500W/𝑚2
(Centerline ℎ𝐿
Temperature Bi = 𝐾
= 0.313
Since Bi> 0.1. 𝐻𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐿𝑐 not valid.
Similarly, Fo = 5.64

Determine Temperature of Exterior Pipe

Surface:
X=0 40mm Using t=8min in Fourier No, for a =
𝜃
Bi−1 = 3.2, find 𝜃0 from Heisler 1st Chart.
𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑖
Now determine 𝜃0 = 𝑇0 − 𝑇∞
𝜃0
= 0.22
𝜃𝑖
𝑇0 𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 420 𝐶
 Numerical Discussions
Heat Transfer to the inner surface: How much of heat is transferred from the
oil (𝑇0𝑖𝑙 = 600 𝐶 ) to the pipe?
For 𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 , Heat flux 𝑞 𝑥=𝐿 = ℎ 𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 − 𝑇∞,𝑜𝑖𝑙
For 𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 , Heat flux 𝑞 𝑥=𝐿 = ℎ 𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 − 𝑇∞,𝑜𝑖𝑙
Or, 𝑞" 𝑥=𝐿 = 500 𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=8𝑚𝑖𝑛 − 600 𝐶
Now, using the Heisler 2nd Chart, Biot inverse is known. For 𝐵𝑖 −1 =1.0,
𝜃
determine ,
𝜃0
𝜃0 is calculated from Heisler 1st Chart, 𝜃 𝑥=𝐿 is calculated. This provides
temperature at the inner walls after 8 minutes.

𝜃 𝜃
Now, = = 0.86
𝜃0 𝑥=𝐿,8𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝜃0 𝑥=𝐿,480𝑠

𝑇 𝑥=𝐿,𝑡=480 𝑠 = 450 𝐶
𝑞" 𝑥=𝐿 = −7500𝑊/𝑚2
Hence this much heat enters the pipe in 8 minutes.
 Numerical Discussions
Using the Heiser 3rd Chart, value of heat transferred from hot oil to pipe in 8 min
is given as:

Bi = 0.313

𝐵𝑖 2 𝐹𝑜 = 0.55

𝑄
= 0.78
𝑄0

𝑄 = 0.78𝑄0 = 0.78 × 𝜌𝐶𝑉 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞

𝑄 = 0.78 × 𝜌𝐶𝜋𝐷𝐿 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞ Here, L=Pipe Thickness

𝑄 = 0.78 × 𝜌𝐶𝜋𝐷𝐿 𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇∞

𝑄 = −2.7 × 107 𝐽/𝑚 [Negative because heat entering pipe]