Heat transfer

Learning goals

In this unit, you will learn the fundamental concepts in heat transfer using computer simulations and apply them to analyze thermal energy flow in buildings. Three mechanisms of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—will be introduced through simulation-based investigations.

Introduction

What is a simulation?

Many natural phenomena are governed by physical laws that have been discovered by scientists. Mathematical and computational models can be made based on these laws for studying the phenomena on the computer. This research method is called computer simulation. It is used by scientists and engineers to guide their work. It is also very useful in teaching. In this unit, you will learn the science and engineering of heat transfer through computer simulation.

What does a simulation in this unit show?

A simulation of heat transfer contains a lot of information, as you will see on the following pages. The following are some important visual representations you should learn about before starting this unit (also see the following annotated screenshot image).

Temperature distribution. The temperature distribution is shown by a color map in which red represents hot and blue represents cold. If a spot gains thermal energy, it becomes more reddish. If it loses thermal energy, it becomes more bluish.
Velocity distribution. If a simulation involves a fluid, the velocity distribution of the fluid can also be shown by an array of arrows. Each arrow represents the direction and magnitude of the velocity of the fluid at its location.
Temperature change. There are virtual thermometers on the simulation screen that record temperature at their locations. A graph that shows all the recorded temperature data can be turned on and off. Several thermometers can be placed to show the temperature changes of a thermal system at different locations.

There are a number of options that can be shown from "View Options" dialog that can be opened using the right-click pop-up menu. Feel free to explore them.

This is a screenshot.

A note to Mac users

We recommend using Safari or Chrome. Don't use Firefox for the Mac.