Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

Solution of Steady One-Dimensional Heat Conduction Problems

2-52C Yes, this claim is reasonable since in the absence of any heat generation the rate of heat transfer
through a plain wall in steady operation must be constant. But the value of this constant must be zero
since one side of the wall is perfectly insulated. Therefore, there can be no temperature difference between
different parts of the wall; that is, the temperature in a plane wall must be uniform in steady operation.
2-53C Yes, the temperature in a plane wall with constant thermal conductivity and no heat generation will
vary linearly during steady one-dimensional heat conduction even when the wall loses heat by radiation
from its surfaces. This is because the steady heat conduction equation in a plane wall is d 2 T / dx 2 = 0
whose solution is T ( x ) C1 x C2 regardless of the boundary conditions. The solution function represents
a straight line whose slope is C1.
2-54C Yes, in the case of constant thermal conductivity and no heat generation, the temperature in a solid
cylindrical rod whose ends are maintained at constant but different temperatures while the side surface is
perfectly insulated will vary linearly during steady one-dimensional heat conduction. This is because the
steady heat conduction equation in this case is d 2 T / dx 2 = 0 whose solution is T ( x ) C1 x C2 which
represents a straight line whose slope is C1.
2-55C Yes, this claim is reasonable since no heat is entering the cylinder and thus there can be no heat
transfer from the cylinder in steady operation. This condition will be satisfied only when there are no
temperature differences within the cylinder and the outer surface temperature of the cylinder is the equal
to the temperature of the surrounding medium.

2-19

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-56 A large plane wall is subjected to specified temperature on the left surface and convection on the
right surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature, and the rate of heat transfer
are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional. 2 Thermal conductivity is constant. 3
There is no heat generation.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k = 2.3 W/mC.
Analysis (a) Taking the direction normal to the surface of the wall to be the x direction with x = 0 at the
left surface, the mathematical formulation of this problem can be expressed as
d 2T
0
dx 2
and

k
T1=80C
A=20 m2

T (0) T1 80 C
dT ( L)
k
h[T ( L) T ]
dx

T =15C
L=0.4 m

h=24 W/m2.C

(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with respect to x yields

dT
C1
dx

T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
x = 0:

T (0) C1 0 C2

C2 T1

x = L:

kC1 h[(C1 L C2 ) T ]

C1

h(C2 T )
k hL

C1

h(T1 T )
k hL

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be
T ( x)

h(T1 T )
x T1
k hL
(24 W / m 2 C)(80 15) C

(2.3 W / m C) (24 W / m2 C)(0.4 m)

80 1311
.x

x 80 C

(c) The rate of heat conduction through the wall is

h(T1 T )
dT
Q wall kA
kAC1 kA
dx
k hL
(24 W/m 2 C)(80 15)C
(2.3 W/m C)(20 m 2 )
(2.3 W/m C) (24 W/m 2 C)(0.4 m)
6030 W
Note that under steady conditions the rate of heat conduction through a plain wall is constant.

2-20

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-57 The top and bottom surfaces of a solid cylindrical rod are maintained at constant temperatures of
20C and 95C while the side surface is perfectly insulated. The rate of heat transfer through the rod is to
be determined for the cases of copper, steel, and granite rod.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional. 2 Thermal conductivity is constant. 3
There is no heat generation.
Properties The thermal conductivities are given to be k = 380 W/mC for copper, k = 18 W/mC for
steel, and k = 1.2 W/mC for granite.
Analysis Noting that the heat transfer area (the area normal to
the direction of heat transfer) is constant, the rate of heat
transfer along the rod is determined from
T T
Q kA 1 2
L
where L = 0.15 m and the heat transfer area A is

T1=25C

A D 2 / 4 (0.05 m) 2 / 4 1964
.
10 3 m 2

Insulated

D = 0.05 m

T2=95C

L=0.15 m

Then the heat transfer rate for each case is determined as follows:
(a) Copper:

T T
(95 20) C
Q kA 1 2 (380 W / m C)(1.964 10 3 m 2 )
373.1 W
L
0.15 m

(b) Steel:

T T
(95 20) C
Q kA 1 2 (18 W / m C)(1.964 10 3 m 2 )
17.7 W
L
0.15 m

(c) Granite:

T T
(95 20) C
Q kA 1 2 (12
. W / m C)(1.964 10 3 m 2 )
1.2 W
L
0.15 m

Discussion: The steady rate of heat conduction can differ by orders of magnitude, depending on the
thermal conductivity of the material.

2-21

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-58
"GIVEN"
L=0.15 "[m]"
D=0.05 "[m]"
T_1=20 "[C]"
T_2=95 "[C]"
"k=1.2 [W/m-C], parameter to be varied"
"ANALYSIS"
A=pi*D^2/4
Q_dot=k*A*(T_2-T_1)/L
k [W/m.C]
1
22
43
64
85
106
127
148
169
190
211
232
253
274
295
316
337
358
379
400

Q [W]
0.9817
21.6
42.22
62.83
83.45
104.1
124.7
145.3
165.9
186.5
207.1
227.8
248.4
269
289.6
310.2
330.8
351.5
372.1
392.7
400
350
300

Q [W]

250
200
150
100
50
0
0

50

100

150

200

250

k [W/m-C]

2-22

300

350

400

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-59 The base plate of a household iron is subjected to specified heat flux on the left surface and to
specified temperature on the right surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in
the plate, and the inner surface temperature are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the surface area of the base plate is
large relative to its thickness, and the thermal conditions on both sides of the plate are uniform. 2 Thermal
conductivity is constant. 3 There is no heat generation in the plate. 4 Heat loss through the upper part of
the iron is negligible.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k = 20 W/mC.
Analysis (a) Noting that the upper part of the iron is well insulated and thus the entire heat generated in
the resistance wires is transferred to the base plate, the heat flux through the inner surface is determined
to be
q 0

Q 0
800 W

50,000 W / m2
Abase 160 10 4 m 2

Taking the direction normal to the surface of the wall to be the x

direction with x = 0 at the left surface, the mathematical formulation
of this problem can be expressed as
d 2T
0
dx 2
and

Q=800 W
A=160 cm2

T2 =85C

L=0.6 cm

dT (0)
q 0 50,000 W / m 2
dx

T ( L) T2 85 C
(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with respect to x yields

dT
C1
dx
T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
x = 0:

kC1 q 0

C1

x = L:

T ( L) C1 L C2 T2

q 0
k

C2 T2 C1 L

C2 T2

q 0 L
k

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be

q 0
q L q ( L x )
x T2 0 0
T2
k
k
k
(50,000 W/m 2 )(0.006 x )m

85C
20 W/m C
2500(0.006 x ) 85

T ( x)

(c) The temperature at x = 0 (the inner surface of the plate) is

T(0) 2500(0.006 0) 85 100 C
Note that the inner surface temperature is higher than the exposed surface temperature, as expected.

2-23

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-60 The base plate of a household iron is subjected to specified heat flux on the left surface and to
specified temperature on the right surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in
the plate, and the inner surface temperature are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the surface area of the base plate is
large relative to its thickness, and the thermal conditions on both sides of the plate are uniform. 2 Thermal
conductivity is constant. 3 There is no heat generation in the plate. 4 Heat loss through the upper part of
the iron is negligible.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k = 20 W/mC.
Analysis (a) Noting that the upper part of the iron is well insulated and thus the entire heat generated in
the resistance wires is transferred to the base plate, the heat flux through the inner surface is determined
to be

q 0

Q 0
1200 W

75,000 W/m 2
4
2
Abase 160 10 m

Taking the direction normal to the surface of the wall to be

the x direction with x = 0 at the left surface, the mathematical
formulation of this problem can be expressed as

k
Q=1200 W
A=160 cm2

d 2T
0
dx 2
and

T2 =85C

L=0.6 cm

dT (0)
q 0 75,000 W/m 2
dx

T ( L) T2 85 C
(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with respect to x yields
dT
C1
dx
T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
x = 0:

kC1 q 0

C1

x = L:

T ( L) C1 L C2 T2

q 0
k

C2 T2 C1 L

C2 T2

q 0 L
k

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be

q 0
q L q ( L x )
x T2 0 0
T2
k
k
k
(75,000 W/m 2 )(0.006 x )m

85C
20 W/m C
3750(0.006 x ) 85

T ( x)

(c) The temperature at x = 0 (the inner surface of the plate) is

T (0) 3750(0.006 0) 85 107.5C

Note that the inner surface temperature is higher than the exposed surface temperature, as expected.

2-24

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-61
"GIVEN"
Q_dot=800 "[W]"
L=0.006 "[m]"
A_base=160E-4 "[m^2]"
k=20 "[W/m-C]"
T_2=85 "[C]"
"ANALYSIS"
q_dot_0=Q_dot/A_base
T=q_dot_0*(L-x)/k+T_2 "Variation of temperature"
"x is the parameter to be varied"

0
0.0006667
0.001333
0.002
0.002667
0.003333
0.004
0.004667
0.005333
0.006

100
98.33
96.67
95
93.33
91.67
90
88.33
86.67
85

100
98
96

T [C]

94
92
90
88
86
84
0

0.001

0.002

0.003

x [m]

0.004

0.005

0.006

2-62E A steam pipe is subjected to convection on the inner surface and to specified temperature on the
outer surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in the pipe, and the rate of heat
loss are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.

2-25

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the pipe is long relative to its
thickness, and there is thermal symmetry about the center line. 2 Thermal conductivity is constant. 3
There is no heat generation in the pipe.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k = 7.2 Btu/hftF.
Analysis (a) Noting that heat transfer is one-dimensional in the radial r direction, the mathematical
formulation of this problem can be expressed as
T =160F
d dT
r
0
dr dr
Steam
dT (r1 )
250F
k
h[T T (r1 )]
and
h=1.25
dr
T (r2 ) T2 160 F

L = 15 ft

(b) Integrating the differential equation once with respect to r gives

r

dT
C1
dr

Dividing both sides of the equation above by r to bring it to a readily integrable form and then integrating,
dT C1

dr
r
T (r ) C1 ln r C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
C1
h[T (C1 ln r1 C2 )]
r1

r = r1:

r = r2:

T (r2 ) C1 ln r2 C2 T2

Solving for C1 and C2 simultaneously gives

C1

T2 T
r
k
ln 2
r1 hr1

and

C2 T2 C1 ln r2 T2

T2 T
ln r2
r
k
ln 2
r1 hr1

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be

T ( r ) C1 ln r T2 C1 ln r2 C1 (ln r ln r2 ) T2

ln

(160 250)F
7.2 Btu/h ft F

2.4

2
(12.5 Btu/h ft 2 F)(2 / 12 ft )

ln

(c) The rate of heat conduction through the pipe is

2-26

T 2 T
r
ln T2
r2
k
r2
ln
r1 hr1

r
r
160F 24.74 ln
160F
2.4 in
2.4 in

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

C
T 2 T
dT
Q kA
k (2rL ) 1 2Lk
r
k
dr
r
ln 2
r1 hr1
(160 250)F
2 (15 ft)(7.2 Btu/h ft F)
16,800 Btu/h
2.4
7.2 Btu/h ft F
ln

2
(12.5 Btu/h ft 2 F)(2 / 12 ft )

2-27

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-63 A spherical container is subjected to specified temperature on the inner surface and convection on the
outer surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature, and the rate of heat transfer are
to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since there is no change with time and
there is thermal symmetry about the midpoint. 2 Thermal conductivity is constant. 3 There is no heat
generation.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k = 30 W/mC.
Analysis (a) Noting that heat transfer is one-dimensional in the radial r direction, the mathematical
formulation of this problem can be expressed as

d 2 dT
r
0
dr
dr

r1

T (r1 ) T1 0C

and
k

T1

k
r2

T
h

dT (r2 )
h[T (r2 ) T ]
dr

(b) Integrating the differential equation once with respect to r gives

r2

dT
C1
dr

Dividing both sides of the equation above by r to bring it to a readily integrable form and then integrating,
dT C1

dr r 2
T (r )

C1
C2
r

where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
r = r1:

T (r1 )

r = r2:

C1
C2 T1
r1

C1
h 1 C2 T
2
r2
r2

Solving for C1 and C2 simultaneously gives

C1

r2 (T1 T )
r
k
1 2
r1 hr2

and

C2 T1

C1
T1 T r2
T1
r
k r1
r1
1 2
r1 hr2

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be

T (r )

1 1
C1
C
T1 T
T1 1 C1
T1
r
k
r
r1
r1 r
1 2
r1 hr2

(0 25)C
30 W/m C

2.1

2
(18 W/m 2 C)(2.1 m)

r2 r2

T1
r
r1

2.1 2.1

0C 29.63(1.05 2.1 / r )
r
2

(c) The rate of heat conduction through the wall is

2-28

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

C
r (T T )
dT
Q kA
k ( 4r 2 ) 21 4kC1 4k 2 1
r
k
dx
r
1 2
r1 hr2
(2.1 m)(0 25)C
4 (30 W/m C)
23,460 W
2.1
30 W/m C
1

2 (18 W/m 2 C)(2.1 m )

2-29

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-64 A large plane wall is subjected to specified heat flux and temperature on the left surface and no
conditions on the right surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in the plate,
and the right surface temperature are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the wall is large relative to its
thickness, and the thermal conditions on both sides of the wall are uniform. 2 Thermal conductivity is
constant. 3 There is no heat generation in the wall.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k =2.5 W/mC.
Analysis (a) Taking the direction normal to the surface of the
wall to be the x direction with x = 0 at the left surface, the
mathematical formulation of this problem can be expressed as
d 2T
0
dx 2
and

k
q=700 W/m2
T1=80C

dT (0)
q 0 700 W / m 2
dx

L=0.3 m

T (0) T1 80 C
(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with respect to x yields
dT
C1
dx
T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
Heat flux at x = 0:

kC1 q 0

C1

Temperature at x = 0:

T (0) C1 0 C2 T1

q 0
k

C2 T1

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be
T ( x)

q 0
700 W / m2
x T1
x 80 C 280 x 80
k
2.5 W / m C

(c) The temperature at x = L (the right surface of the wall) is

T ( L) 280 (0.3 m) 80 -4 C
Note that the right surface temperature is lower as expected.

2-30

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-65 A large plane wall is subjected to specified heat flux and temperature on the left surface and no
conditions on the right surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in the plate,
and the right surface temperature are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the wall is large relative to its
thickness, and the thermal conditions on both sides of the wall are uniform. 2 Thermal conductivity is
constant. 3 There is no heat generation in the wall.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k =2.5 W/mC.
Analysis (a) Taking the direction normal to the surface of the
wall to be the x direction with x = 0 at the left surface, the
mathematical formulation of this problem can be expressed as
d 2T
0
dx 2
and

k
q=950 W/m2
T1=85C

dT (0)
q 0 950 W/m 2
dx

L=0.3 m

T (0) T1 85 C
(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with respect to x yields

dT
C1
dx
T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
Heat flux at x = 0:

kC1 q 0

C1

Temperature at x = 0:

T (0) C1 0 C2 T1

q 0
k

C2 T1

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be

T ( x)

q 0
950 W/m 2
x T1
x 85C 380 x 85
k
2.5 W/m C

(c) The temperature at x = L (the right surface of the wall) is

T (L ) 380 (0.3 m) 85 -29C

Note that the right surface temperature is lower as expected.

2-31

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-66E A large plate is subjected to convection, radiation, and specified temperature on the top surface and
no conditions on the bottom surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in the
plate, and the bottom surface temperature are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the plate is large relative to its
thickness, and the thermal conditions on both sides of the plate are uniform. 2 Thermal conductivity is
constant. 3 There is no heat generation in the plate.
Properties The thermal conductivity and emissivity are given to be k =7.2 Btu/hftF and = 0.6.
Analysis (a) Taking the direction normal to the surface of the plate to be the x direction with x = 0 at the
bottom surface, and the mathematical formulation of this problem can be expressed as
d 2T
0
dx 2
and

dT ( L )
4
4
h[T ( L ) T ] [T ( L ) 4 Tsky
] h[T2 T ] [(T2 460) 4 Tsky
]
dx
T ( L) T2 75 F

Tsky

(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with

respect to x yields

dT
C1
dx

75F

T
h

T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
Convection at x = L:
Temperature at x = L:

4
kC1 h[T2 T ] [(T2 460) 4 Tsky
]
4
C1 {h[T2 T ] [(T2 460) 4 Tsky
]} / k

T ( L) C1 L C2 T2

C2 T2 C1 L

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be

T ( x ) C1x (T2 C1L ) T2 ( L x )C1 T2

4
h[T2 T ] [(T2 460) 4 Tsky
]

( L x)
k
(12 Btu/h ft 2 F)(75 90)F + 0.6(0.1714 10-8 Btu/h ft 2 R 4 )[(535 R ) 4 (510 R) 4 ]
75F
( 4 / 12 x
7.2 Btu/h ft F
75 23.0(1/ 3 x )

(c) The temperature at x = 0 (the bottom surface of the plate) is

T(0) 75 23.0 (1 / 3 0) 67.3 F

2-32

Chapter 2 Heat Conduction Equation

2-67E A large plate is subjected to convection and specified temperature on the top surface and no
conditions on the bottom surface. The mathematical formulation, the variation of temperature in the
plate, and the bottom surface temperature are to be determined for steady one-dimensional heat transfer.
Assumptions 1 Heat conduction is steady and one-dimensional since the plate is large relative to its
thickness, and the thermal conditions on both sides of the plate are uniform. 2 Thermal conductivity is
constant. 3 There is no heat generation in the plate.
Properties The thermal conductivity is given to be k =7.2 Btu/hftF.
Analysis (a) Taking the direction normal to the surface of the plate to be the x direction with x = 0
at the bottom surface, the mathematical formulation of this problem can be expressed as
d 2T
0
dx 2
and

dT ( L)
h[T ( L) T ] h(T2 T )
dx

75F

T
h

T ( L) T2 75 F
(b) Integrating the differential equation twice with respect to x yields
dT
C1
dx
T ( x ) C1x C2
where C1 and C2 are arbitrary constants. Applying the boundary conditions give
Convection at x = L:

kC1 h(T2 T )

Temperature at x = L: T ( L) C1 L C2 T2

C1 h(T2 T ) / k
C2 T2 C1 L

Substituting C1 and C2 into the general solution, the variation of temperature is determined to be
T ( x ) C1 x (T2 C1 L) T2 ( L x )C1 T2

h(T2 T )
( L x)
k

(12 Btu / h ft 2 F)(75 90) F

(4 / 12 x ) ft
7.2 Btu / h ft F
75 25(1 / 3 x )
75 F

(c) The temperature at x = 0 (the bottom surface of the plate) is

T(0) 75 25 (1 / 3 0) 66.7 F

2-33