Chapter 2: Introduction to Conduction

Learning Objectives
1. Develop deeper understanding of “Fourier’s Law”
2. Develop “Heat Diffusion Equation”

Fourier’s Law

Points to be noted:
1. Fourier’s law is Phenomenological, i.e. developed from observations or observed
phenomena
2. Not derived from first principles
Points to be noted:
1. Heat flux is a directional quantity and is
normal to the cross sectional/heat
transfer area

2. The direction of heat transfer is normal to

a surface of constant temperature, called
an isothermal surface
Point to be noted:

The medium in which the conduction occurs is considered to be isotropic, i.e. the value of
thermal conductivity, k is independent of the coordinate direction
Thermal Conductivity: Solid State
- Solids can be considered to be made of free electrons and atoms bound in periodic
arrangement called lattice
- Transport of energy is due to two effects: the migration of free electrons and lattice
vibrational waves, lattice vibration quanta are called as phonons
- In pure metals, energy is conducted mainly due to electrons whereas in case of non-
conductors or semi-conductors, phonon contribution is dominant

In the above expression which is given by Kinetic Theory,

- C is electron or phonon specific heat per unit volume

- is the mean electron velocity or the average speed of sound in case of phonons
- is the electron or phonon mean free path
Temperature dependence of thermal conductivity of solids
Thermal Conductivity: Fluid State

In the above expression given by Kinetic Theory,

- is the mean electron velocity or the average speed of sound in case of phonons
- is the electron or phonon mean free path

Point to be noted:

- For gases, thermal conductivity increases with an increase in temperature and

decrease in the molecular weight
- There is no effect of pressure on the thermal conductivity
- For liquids, thermal conductivities decrease with an increase in temperature and an
increase in molecular weight
Temperature dependence of thermal conductivity of gases/vapor
Temperature dependence of thermal conductivity of liquids
 Heat Diffusion Equation
Objectives
1. Determine the temperature field in a medium or to know the temperature distribution
2. Estimation of heat flux once temperature distribution is known

Cartesian Coordinates

- Infinitesimally small differential control volume

- Homogeneous medium with no bulk motion (advection)
 Heat in Heat out

Heat generated

Heat stored
Since
Further,

Dividing by control volume, dx dy dz

For steady state

For one dimensional heat transfer with no heat generation

Thermal diffusivity, 

𝐴𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡

=
𝐴𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦

Large  indicates ability to respond faster to the change in thermal

environment and quickly attain a new equilibrium

Small  indicates sluggish response and longer time for attainment of a

new equilibrium
Heat Diffusion Equation
Cylindrical Coordinates
Spherical Coordinates
Problem 1
1.
2.
3.
Problem 2
Boundary Conditions

Initial Condition