ME 536 Homework #1, Due on January 24, 2011 (M)

On-campus students: due in class. Off-campus students: by email the scanned PDF file to the
instructor by 5:00 PM, or by fax to EOL office (please consult EOL about details).
1. A hollow spherical shell of conductivity k conducts q Btu/hr of heat
through it. The sphere is at steady state and there is no heat generation.
Derive the governing differential equation from basic principles (i.e.,
energy balance and rate equations). Then, assuming T=To at ro. Solve
the differential equation for the temperature distribution T(r) as a
function of q, k, ro, To, and r.

2. Consider uniform energy generation in a solid.

Compare the temperature distributions in a plane
wall, a cylinder and a sphere by plotting
temperature as a function of position for each
case on the coordinates shown (i.e., normalized,
non-dimensional). Plot the three normalized
temperature profiles on the same graph.
Can the differences in centerline temperature be
explained by comparing the volume-to-surfacearea ratio for each case? Explain.
Based on the above, which shape would be the
best for use as a fuel element in a nuclear
reactor? Explain.

3. A 2-in-thick steel plate, inserted in an

adiabatic wall, generates heat at a rate of 200
Btu/hr-ft3. Estimate the maximum plate
temperature.

To

T To
&2
qR
2k

To

To