Higher temperature gradient result in heat traveling further/faster?

In summary, the conversation discusses the results of a heat transfer simulation at two different temperatures. The speaker expected a greater distance traveled for the simulation at 350 K, but the results did not match their intuition. They then question if the temperature gradient affects the distance heat travels, but the other person advises them to adjust the temperature scales for a more accurate comparison.
  • #1
examorph
39
0
Hello,

I have been playing around with a simulation software package and ran a heat transfer simulation however, to me the results did not seem intuitive. From my understanding the distance heat travels in a specific amount of time is proportional to the temperature difference, for example, if the temperature difference is large then heat will travel faster than if a smaller temperature difference. I had ran this simulation at two different temperatures:

350 K: https://imageshack.com/i/gh2ybgp
271 K: https://imageshack.com/i/euj54bp

Both with an initial temperature of 270 K. I would have thought that the 350 k simulation would have a different profile in which the temperature would have traveled further. Is this simulation incorrect or am I just looking at these results wrong?

Thank you.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
The temperature scales are different in the two pictures. If you can persuade your software to use the same color shadings for the same temperatures (you may have to use red for anything greater than, for example, 275) you'll get results that match your intuition better.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #3
Thank you for answering my question, I thought about this and it raised another related question.

If I look at it now with the temperature scales currently set the heat is shown traveling the same distance at that point in time on both wall temperatures (it reaches the 270 K (blue) temperature at the same time), does this mean that the heat does not travel further when the temperature gradient is increased but instead travels the same distance in larger "quantities"?
 
  • #4
Could anyone please let me know if this is correct or am I looking at it wrong?
 
  • #5
That isn't what these images say. Change the scale so that red is at 271 for both images and then look. You will see that nearly the entire figure is red. You are just confusing yourself because you have the scales set differently.
 

Related to Higher temperature gradient result in heat traveling further/faster?

1. How does a higher temperature gradient affect heat transfer?

A higher temperature gradient means that there is a larger difference in temperature between two objects or substances. This results in a faster rate of heat transfer between them.

2. Why does heat travel further or faster with a higher temperature gradient?

Heat transfer occurs due to the movement of thermal energy from an area of high temperature to an area of low temperature. With a higher temperature gradient, there is a greater driving force for this energy to move, resulting in faster or further heat transfer.

3. Is a higher temperature gradient always beneficial for heat transfer?

Not necessarily. While a higher temperature gradient can result in faster or further heat transfer, it can also lead to energy losses and inefficiencies. It is important to carefully consider the specific situation and desired outcome when working with temperature gradients.

4. Can a lower temperature gradient also result in efficient heat transfer?

Yes, a lower temperature gradient can still result in efficient heat transfer. In some cases, a smaller temperature difference may be preferable as it can help to maintain a more stable and controlled environment.

5. How can we control temperature gradients for optimal heat transfer?

Temperature gradients can be controlled through various methods such as insulation, convection, and radiation. It is important to carefully design and implement these methods to achieve the desired temperature gradient and efficient heat transfer.

Similar threads

Replies
101
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Thermodynamics
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
20
Views
1K
Replies
152
Views
5K
Replies
19
Views
1K
Back
Top