KMM342E Mathematical Modeling in ChE Spring 2021

In-Class 2 Problem Session

Consider an aluminum (Al) sphere of radius R, initially at temperature T 0, is suddenly immersed

in a hot temperature bath. A spiral coil-type heating element is used to keep the temperature of bath
at TH. The bath has a much larger mass comparing to the mass of the sphere, and could be assumed
well-mixed.
a. Draw a sketch of the system and list your assumptions.
b. Develop a mathematical model for the temperature profile for the Al sphere.
c. Determine the initial and boundary conditions to solve this model.
d. Solve the model equation under the steady-state condition.
e. Comment the result you obtain.