TH312 · Radial Heat Conduction

Experimental Apparatus for the Study of Radial Heat Conduction

Laboratory experiments

Steady-state radial heat conduction in a solid disc - Fourier's law in cylindrical form
Temperature distribution along the radius
Determination of the thermal conductivity of brass from the temperature profile
Effect of the heating level on the temperature gradient
Heat flow rate and the heat balance of the disc

TH312 - radial heat conduction apparatus

Overview

A solid brass disc is heated at its centre and cooled at its rim by a water pipe, so the heat flows outward along the radius. Temperature sensors set into the disc at different radii show how the temperature falls from the heater to the rim.

Working principle

At steady state the temperature depends only on the distance from the heater, and the heat flow rate follows from Fourier's law in cylindrical form. The six sensors give the temperature at six radii, so the students can plot the profile and calculate the thermal conductivity of the brass.

The experiment, its six sensors, the heater, the cooling pipe and the law are printed on the cap of the apparatus, in view of the students, as in the drawing.

TH312 working principle: the diagram printed on the cap

Real Time Data Acquisition and Control Software

Connectivity

The apparatus is equipped with Sangari Connect technology, which allows students to view live data and control the device both from computers in the lab and remotely.

Inside the apparatus

General Features

Study of steady-state heat conduction along the radius of a solid disc
Six temperature sensors at six different radii, in a narrow sector of the disc
Heater at the centre of the disc, cooling water at its rim
The experiment and its equation printed on the top layer, in view of the students
Brass disc held clear of the acrylic on standoffs, so little heat leaves it except through the cooling water

Brass Disc

Size Ø 110 × 4 mm, with a hole for the screw that holds the heater block

Heating Element

Thermal power 40 W, 24 V DC

Type cartridge heater, Ø 6 mm, in an aluminium block clamped on the centre of the disc

Cooling

Pipe Ø 6 mm copper round the rim of the disc, with two connections rising through the top layer

Temperature Sensors

Number 6, in holes in the disc at 10, 18, 26, 34, 42, 50 mm from the centre

Construction

Layers 5 laser-cut acrylic layers, 8 mm each

Base plate aluminium, 4 mm, with the Sangari nameplate, on 4 levelling feet, 22 mm high

Water Supply