Question

How does transient heat transfer differ from steady heat transfer? How does one-dimensional heat transfer differ from two-dimensional heat transfer?

Short answer

Answer: Transient heat transfer is when the temperature changes with time, such as heating a pot of water on a stove, while steady heat transfer occurs when the temperature remains constant, like in a room with an air conditioner. One-dimensional heat transfer occurs in one direction, typically along a straight line, such as heat transfer along a metal rod. Two-dimensional heat transfer happens in two directions, for example, on a heated metallic plate. The main difference is the number of directions heat transfer occurs, with one-dimensional having one direction and two-dimensional involving two directions, making the analysis more complex.

Step-by-step solution

Transient Heat Transfer

Transient heat transfer refers to the change in temperature with respect to time as heat transfer occurs. In this type of heat transfer, temperature profiles are continuously changing over time. This is observed in situations where the heat source or temperature of the surroundings keep changing, like heating a pot of water on a stove.

Steady Heat Transfer

Steady heat transfer occurs when the temperature profile reaches a steady state and does not change with time. In this case, the heat transfer rate remains constant, and the temperature does not change over time. This can be observed in situations where the temperature of a room remains constant due to the continuous operation of an air conditioner.

Difference Between Transient and Steady Heat Transfer

The main difference between transient heat transfer and steady heat transfer is the behavior with respect to time. In transient heat transfer, the temperature changes with time, whereas in steady heat transfer, the temperature remains constant and does not change with time.

One-Dimensional Heat Transfer

One-dimensional heat transfer refers to the heat transfer that occurs only in one direction, typically along a straight line. In this case, heat transfer occurs across a single coordinate axis, such as the x-axis. An example would be the heat transfer along a metal rod.

Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer

Two-dimensional heat transfer occurs when heat is transferred in two directions, across two coordinate axes, such as the x and y-axis. This type of heat transfer occurs in rectangular or planar surfaces, like a heated metallic plate.

Difference Between One-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer

The main difference between one-dimensional and two-dimensional heat transfer is the number of directions in which heat transfer occurs. In one-dimensional heat transfer, heat is transferred only in one direction, whereas in two-dimensional heat transfer, heat is transferred in two directions, making the analysis more complex.