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Integration of Numerical Analysis and Experimental Testing Involving Heat Transfer for a Small Heated Cylinder During Cooling

Abstract

Heat transfer projects can be focused on either experimental measurements or numerical analysis. Due to time constraints in a class it can be difficult to solve complicated problems using both methods. The project described in this paper involves both experimental work and numerical simulations used to determine the temperature of a small aluminum cylinder while it is cooling from a temperature of approximately 80ºC to ambient room temperature of approximately 23ºC. The project spans two courses in the undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum: Heat Transfer where the numerical analysis was performed, and Systems and Measurement where students address the problem with experimentation. This implementation is intended to reinforce fundamental heat transfer concepts by working on a project through two different approaches. In the junior year the students first complete a numerical analysis of the cooling cylinder by solving the convection and conduction equations in radial coordinates using a finite difference approach and determining the temperature of the cylinder as it cools. In the senior year the same students look at the physical system in a laboratory exercise, utilizing thermocouples, computerized data acquisition, and processing to experimentally measure the temperature of the cooling cylinder. A description of both the theoretical problem and the experimental problem are given in this paper as well as results from a survey conducted after the students completed the project to help determine the effectiveness of the approach and the possibility of using a similar approach for other topics outside of heat transfer.

Introduction

This paper documents a heat transfer project that incorporates both numerical analysis (finite difference) as well experimental testing of the cooling of a small aluminum cylinder. This was done over the span of two undergraduate courses, the required introductory heat transfer lecture course (ME336 Heat Transfer) and a senior level technical elective on instrumentation (ME 491 Systems and Measurement). The goal is to reinforce concepts of conduction and convection heat transfer. The problem was divided into two courses for the following reasons. First, in a single course it is often not possible to have enough time to conduct detailed numerical analysis and time intensive experiments. Second, by using two separate courses the students can see the relationship between different engineering courses and strengthen their appreciation of their curriculum.

In recent years, many studies have been presented on the effectiveness of using computational methods to enhance the teaching of heat transfer 1,2,3,4. Though numerical analysis is an integral part of engineering education, it is largely agreed that simulation can not replace hands-on learning5. As a result, there is an effort to establish laboratory work that supplements numerical investigations in the field 6.

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O'Halloran, S., & Doughty, T. (2009, June), Integration Of Numerical Analysis And Experimental Testing Involving Heat Transfer For A Small Heated Cylinder During Cooling Paper presented at 2009 Annual Conference & Exposition, Austin, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--4520