PROBLEM 2.

15
KNOWN: Temperature, size and orientation of Surfaces A and B in a two-dimensional geometry.
Thermal conductivity dependence on temperature.
FIND: Temperature gradient T/y at surface A.

SCHEMATIC:
k = ko + aT B, T A = 100C

1m

x
2m

A, T A = 0C

ASSUMPTIONS: (1) Steady-state conditions, (2) No volumetric generation, (3) Two-dimensional

conduction.

ANALYSIS: At Surface A, kA = ko + aTA = 10 W/mK 10-3 W/mK2 273 K = 9.73 W/mK while
at Surface B, kB = ko + aTB = 10 W/mK 10-3 W/mK2 373 K = 9.63 W/mK. For steady-state
conditions, E in E out which may be written in terms of Fouriers law as

T T
k B AB k A AA
x B y A

T T k B AB 9.63 1
or 30K/m 14.85 K/m <
y A
x B k A AA 9.73 2

COMMENTS: (1) If the thermal conductivity is not temperature-dependent, then the temperature
gradient at A is 15 K/m. (2) Surfaces A and B are both isothermal. Hence, T / x A T / y B 0 .