Introduction to Conduction

Heat equation (Cartesian coordinate)

If the thermal conductivity is constant

𝑘
𝛼= > 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝜌𝑐𝑝

Under steady-state conditions

For one-dimensional heat transfer, and no energy generation

Introduction to Conduction
Heat equation (Cylindrical coordinate)

Heat equation (Spherical coordinate)

Boundary Conditions for the heat diffusion equation at the surface (x=0)

Because the heat equation is second order, then two

boundary conditions must be expressed for each
coordinate to describe the system

The equation is first order in time, that’s why only one

condition, termed the initial condition , must be specified
Finite-Difference Equations
The Nodal Network

For two-dimensional, steady –state conditions with no generation and

constant thermal conductivity ;

𝜕2𝑇 𝜕 2𝑇
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2

a) Nodal network b) Finite-Difference approximation

Finite – Difference Form of the Heat Equation
Finite-Difference Equations
The Energy Balance Method

the actual direction of heat flow (into or out of the node) is often
unknown, it is convenient to assume that all the heat flow is into the node

Conduction to an interior node from

its adjoining nodes
Finite-Difference Equations
Nodal finite-Difference equations for ∆𝑥 = ∆𝑦

Case 1. Interior node

Case 2. Node at an internal corner with convection

Finite-Difference Equations
Nodal finite-Difference equations for ∆𝑥 = ∆𝑦

Case 3. Node at a plane surface with convection

Case 4. Node at a external corner with convection

Finite-Difference Equations
Nodal finite-Difference equations for ∆𝑥 = ∆𝑦

Case 5. Node at a plane surface with uniform heat flux

Solving the Finite – Difference Equations

Matrix inversion > direct methods

Gauss –Seidel > iterative methods

The Matrix inversion method

Solving the Finite – Difference Equations
The Gauss – Seidel iteration

With heat generation

Without heat generation

Example 1 :
Example 2 :
Using Gauss-seidel iteration method;

For each node

K ; level of iteration
Finite-difference equation for an interior node with heat generation ;
∆𝑥 = 10𝑚𝑚 divide the long banr into 9 nodes

All nodes are interior nodes