How does heat transfer change when the contact area changes?
In this model, a test piece between a block on the right and the heat source on the left acts as the contact body,
as illustrated below.
You can resize the piece to change the contact area.
The size of the contact area is shown on top of the piece in the middle (e.g., 0.04 m).
Your task is to investigate the relationship between the amount of conducted heat and the size of the contact area:
- Run the model and note the reading on the right, which measures the total heat energy stored in the block.
For convenience, the heat energy of an object is calculated relative to that of an object at 0°C.
- In the workbook, write down the size of the contact area and the thermal energy reading when the model stops.
The number is the total heat energy (in Joule) transferred from the heat source on the left to the block on the right.
- Click the Reset button and then click the middle piece
and drag the small yellow rectangles at its horizontal edges to resize the contact area (A).
- Repeat 1-2 for two more different sizes for the contact area.
After you have completed your investigation, answer the questions in your workbook. |
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