Reinforcing the Concepts of Transient Heat Conduction and Convection With Simple Experiments and COMSOL Simulations

Authors

  • Sergio Mendez 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840 Department of Chemical Engineering, California State University, Long Beach
  • Lisa AungYong 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840 Department of Chemical Engineering, California State University, Long Beach

Abstract

To help students make the connection between the concepts of heat conduction and convection to real world phenomenon, we developed a combined experimental and computational module that can be incorporated into lecture or lab courses. The experimental system we present requires materials and apparatus that are readily accessible, and the procedure is simple. In addition, we utilized commercially available, user-friendly computer software, COMSOL Multiphysics, for three-dimensional modeling. We measured temperature versus time profiles from cylindrical and spherical shaped objects with free and forced convective heat transfer. We found that COMSOL can reasonably simulate the experimental data. In addition, our student assessment determined that this module can improve student understanding of transient heat transfer due to experiential, hands-on measurements and computer simulations. 

Author Biographies

Sergio Mendez, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840 Department of Chemical Engineering, California State University, Long Beach

Sergio Mendez is an assistant professor of chemical engineering at California State University, Long Beach. He received a B.S. degree from U.C. Berkeley and a Ph.D. degree from the University of New Mexico both in chemical engineering. He served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a process engineer at Intel Corporation. His current research interests are primarily in the area of Green Engineering where he has made significant contributions in research, teaching and community outreach. His core teaching areas are thermodynamics, separation processes and the undergraduate laboratories 

Lisa AungYong, 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840 Department of Chemical Engineering, California State University, Long Beach

Lisa AungYong obtained B.S. and M.S.E. degrees from the Department of Chemical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach. In her Master's thesis research, she incorporated agricultural "waste" residues into composite foam/hemp sandwich panels. Her goal is to have a successful career as a process engineer in the field of environmental services. 

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Published

2014-09-16

Issue

Vol. 48 No. 4 (2014): Fall 2014

Section

Manuscripts