Abstract
We address the problem of two-dimensional heat conduction in a solid slab embedded with a periodic array of isothermal strips. The surfaces of the slab are subjected to a convective heat transfer boundary condition with a uniform heat transfer coefficient. Similar to the concept of critical insulation radius, associated with cylindrical and spherical configurations, we show that there exists a critical insulation thickness, associated with the slab, such that the total thermal resistance attains a minimum, i.e. a maximum heat transfer rate can be achieved. This result, which is not observed in one-dimensional heat conduction in a plane wall, is a consequence of the non-trivial coupling between conduction and convection that results in a 2D temperature distribution in the slab, and a non-uniform temperature on the surface of the slab. The findings of this work offer opportunities for improving the design of a broad range of engineering processes and products.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 180-185 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 1-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 15 2011 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Keywords
- Critical insulation thickness
- Heat conduction/convection
- Laplace equation
- Overall heat transfer coefficient
- Shape factor
- Solid slab with periodic array of isothermal strips
- Total thermal resistance