Heat Transfer in Glass, Aluminum, and Plastic Beverage Bottles

Authors

  • William M. Clark Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • Ryan C. Shevlin Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • Tanya S. Soffen Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Abstract

This paper addresses a controversy regarding the effect of bottle material on the thermal performance of beverage bottles. Experiments and calculations that verify or refute advertising claims and represent an interesting way to teach heat transfer fundamentals are described. Heat transfer coefficients and the resistance to heat transfer offered by the bottle material and the fluid inside and outside of the bottles are illustrated.

Author Biographies

William M. Clark, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

William Clark is an associate professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He holds a B.S. from Clemson University and a Ph.D. from Rice University, both in chemical engineering. He has taught thermodynamics, separation processes, and unit operations laboratory for more than 20 years. His current research focuses on using finite element analysis for teaching chemical engineering principles and for analyzing separation processes.

Ryan C. Shevlin, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Ryan Shevlin and Tanya Soffen contributed to this study as seniors in chemical engineering at WPI. This work is based in part on their Major Qualifying Project (senior thesis) completed in May 2009. Although they have now graduated and begun their professional careers, they are continuing their bottle studies with a focus on taste and enjoyment.

Tanya S. Soffen, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Ryan Shevlin and Tanya Soffen contributed to this study as seniors in chemical engineering at WPI. This work is based in part on their Major Qualifying Project (senior thesis) completed in May 2009. Although they have now graduated and begun their professional careers, they are continuing their bottle studies with a focus on taste and enjoyment.

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Published

2010-09-01

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 4 (2010): Fall 2010

Section

Manuscripts