Department of Mechanical Engineering

Alabama A&M University

ME 312L Heat and Mass Lab
Spring 2013

Experiment #6
Thermal Conductivity of a Different Specimen

Cameron Alexander

Instructor: Dr. S. Chowdhury
Date Submitted: April 1, 2013










Abstract
The process by which heat moves through a surface is called conduction. We measure
this when we want to see the rate of transfer of heat. There is an equation that we can use to find
conduction. In this lab, we will be putting this concept to the test and seeing how it is used in the
real world. Our objective was to determine the thermal conductivity (k) of a brass and aluminum
specimen. We are to calculate the thermal conductivity of the specimens using the Fourier Rate
Equation and measuring the temperature difference across specimens resulting from a known
steady flow of heat through the specimen.



























Introduction
Thermal conductivity (k) is the property of a material to conduct heat. It is measured mostly in
terms of Fourier's Law for heat conduction. Heat transfer occurs at a higher rate across materials
of high thermal conductivity than across materials of low thermal conductivity. Therefore,
materials of high thermal conductivity are widely used in heat sink applications and materials of
low thermal conductivity are used as thermal insulation. Thermal conductivity of materials is
temperature dependent. It is also classified as a physical property of materials. Unlike some
physical properties, however, thermal conductivity cannot be directly measured. In order to
determine a material's thermal conductivity, intermediate quantities must be determined from
which the conductivity may be ultimately calculated.

























Procedure
Identify the different components of the HT10X Heat Transfer Service Unit and HT11 Linear
Heat Conduction Accessory.
1. Clamp the intermediate Aluminum section between the heated and cooled section of the
HT11, having lightly coated the mating surfaces with thermal paste to reduce contact
resistance.
2. Take care of the shallow sections before clamping.
3. Connect the thermocouples on the HT11 to the appropriate sockets on the front of the
service unit. Ensure that the labels match the socket labels.
4. Set the Voltage Control potentiometer to minimum and the selector switch to Manual,
then connect the heater lead from the HT11 to the service unit.
5. Switch on the front main switch.
6. Turn on the cooling water and adjust the flow control valve to give approximately 1.5
liters/min.
7. Set the heater voltage to 9 volts.
8. Allow the HT11 to stabilize.
9. When the temperatures are stable record the readings from the front panel display, using
the selector switch to select each required value in turn.x
10. Set the heater voltage to 12 volts and repeat the above procedure.
11. Repeat the steps above with diameter of 0.013m.






Calculations
Length of the specimen, x=0.030m
Diameter of bar, D=0.025m and 0.013m.

Heat flow (Power to heater), Q=V1 (Watts)
Cross sectional area, A=D
2
/4
T
h
=T
3
-

C
T
c
=T
6
-

C
The thermal conductivity of a specimen,
k=

(W/m.C)





























Results
V=9.0 volts
I=0.92 amps
q=8.28 Watt
Specimen Diameter=0.025m
Obs# Time T1 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8 T
h
T
c
k
1 2:49 46.0 44.3 42.5 34.1 32.7 31.6 41.6 34.8 74.4

V=9.0 volt
I=0.92 amps
q=8.28 Watt
Specimen Diameter=0.013m
Obs# Time T1 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8 T
h
T
c
k
1 3:11 56.6 55.1 53.6 34.0 32.9 31.9 52.85 34.5 120.01

.
0
10
20
30
40
50
T1 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8
Temperature Distribution
Q=8.28 Watts
Temperature


0
10
20
30
40
50
60
T1 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8
Temperature Distribution
D=0.025m
Temperature
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
T1 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8
Temperature Distribution
Q=14.76 Watts
Temperature

.
























0
10
20
30
40
50
60
T1 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8
Temperature Distribution
D=0.013m
Temperature
Conclusion
This lab was very effective. It thoroughly explains the concepts needed to be explained. I
was able to see a real world application of the given concept so that I can use it later in my
engineering life. However, a more simplistic breakdown during the class lecture would be
greatly appreciate. With that, we will be able to better understand certain concepts once the lab
starts instead on going in blind. Still, this lab was very effective and should continue to be used.


















References
Laboratory Notes