Heat Transfer through a Concrete Slab

Wikipedia for how long the time lag will be between the peak temperature on the bottom side of the slab and the peak temperature at the surface. However, you are looking for the temperature profile as it rises to that peak at a specific time. For that, you can refer to Carslaw and Jaeger's book "Heat Conduction in Solids" or Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot's "Transport Phenomena" for the transient solutions. Both of these references will address sudden changes in temperature or sinusoidal variations at one side of a slab. In summary, there are resources available that can provide the necessary information for calculating the temperature profile at a specific time on a concrete slab with heat turned
  • #1
BradP
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I'm looking at the dynamic state of heat transfer through a concrete slab. Suppose heat is turned on at t=0 and the coils/tubing are 6 inches below the surface. Is there a formula or way of calculating the temperature at the surface at time = t?

I found a formula for thermal lag on wikipedia (without references -- can't find the source of the formula) for how long the time lag will be between the peak temperature on the bottom side of the slab and the peak temperature at the surface, but I would like to know the temperature profile as it rises to that peak at that point in time.

Wikipedia stub:
22433a6e83ca7e5b240f50e3b7d60c6b.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_lag
 
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  • #2
I'm sorry you are not generating any responses at the moment. Is there any additional information you can share with us? Any new findings?
 
  • #3
See Carslaw and Jaeger , Heat Conduction in Solids for transient heat transfer to a slab. See also Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot, Transport Phenomena. Both these references will have the transient solutions for (a) sudden change in temperature at one side of a slab and (b) sinusoidal temperature variations at one side of a slab.

Chet
 
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Related to Heat Transfer through a Concrete Slab

1. How does heat transfer through a concrete slab?

Heat transfer through a concrete slab occurs through conduction, where heat is transferred from one molecule to another through direct contact. The concrete slab acts as a conductor, absorbing heat from the warmer side and transferring it to the cooler side.

2. What factors affect the rate of heat transfer through a concrete slab?

The rate of heat transfer through a concrete slab is affected by several factors, including the thickness of the slab, the thermal conductivity of the concrete, the temperature difference between the two sides of the slab, and the presence of insulation or other materials that can affect the heat flow.

3. Can insulation help reduce heat transfer through a concrete slab?

Yes, insulation can significantly reduce heat transfer through a concrete slab. Insulation materials, such as foam boards or spray foam, can act as barriers to heat flow and reduce the amount of heat that is transferred through the slab. It is important to choose the right type and thickness of insulation for optimal results.

4. How does the orientation of a concrete slab affect heat transfer?

The orientation of a concrete slab can affect heat transfer by determining the amount of direct sunlight it receives. A south-facing slab will receive more direct sunlight and therefore have a higher rate of heat transfer compared to a north-facing slab. The orientation can also affect the temperature difference between the two sides of the slab, which can impact the rate of heat transfer.

5. How can I improve the energy efficiency of a building with a concrete slab?

To improve the energy efficiency of a building with a concrete slab, you can use insulation, install a radiant heating system, or utilize passive solar design principles. Proper insulation can reduce heat transfer through the slab, while a radiant heating system can provide efficient heating. Passive solar design, such as strategically placing windows and shading, can also reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling, ultimately reducing energy consumption.

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