Heat transfer of fluids inside cans/vessels Heat transfer from an upright vertical can. (Requires 1x thermometer, 1x
Question:
Heat transfer of fluids inside cans/vessels Heat transfer from an upright vertical can. (Requires 1x thermometer, 1x canned drink) Bottles can be placed into fridges horizontally or vertically, but which orientation would produce the most rapid heat transfer? Conversely, would a thin can retain its chilled coldness for longer than a rounder fatter can type? And for coffee lovers, would a hot drink be better in a tall mug or short latte glass? I suspect you may already know this intuitively, which works better, since material properties, and geometry and shape play a significant influence on heat transfer processes. This project aims to get you to explore further in detail the multi-physics processes that occur simultaneously during a simple heating/cooling of a canned drink.
This project has a certain level of openness to it and is not strict in how you choose to investigate, but rather allow you to explore the wonders of heat transfer.
However, there are guidelines to keep you on track for those that are unsure. Some of the components of this project is a good segue into your Capstone Project you'll be doing in your final year (e.g. literature review, report writing... etc)
The aim of this project is to: compare analytical empirical correlations of obtaining the heat transfer coefficient, with one that is defined by taking experimental data through a simple home run experiment. As an overview of what is required, the project will involve (in general): 1. Literature review and a well-written understanding of convection related to your experimental design setup. 2. Calculations estimating the heat transfer coefficient from empirical correlations 3. Experimental measurement of heating or cooling of a drink from a can or cup 4. Present the results and compare the difference between the calculated values from empirical correlations and the experimental measurements 5. Critical analysis, discussion, and interpretation of results. 6. Conclusion, what you have learned and what could have been done better
1 Introduction [20 marks] Introduce the problem giving a big picture overview, outline the method, which cases you are investigating, how your report is structured, and how you will present the results. A literature review should be included which relates the theory to the problem. This includes investigating the mechanisms of convection, in particular natural convection. The descriptions should be your in-depth understanding with clear schematics and figures to demonstrate your understanding of the theory related to your problem. It should not be a re-hashing of information from the textbook or internet. Journal publications with insightful information is better. This introduction will exemplify your understanding of the work, and a reflection of what you've learned and how you can apply it to a real life experiment. Approximately, 5-6 pages including images, figures. 2 Method [20 marks] Design your experiment to measure the temperature change of a fluid in a can or cup. You can choose heating or cooling of a fluid. You will need a thermometer to do this experiment. Cold drink heating up example: 1. Measure the air temperature of the surroundings 2. Use an empty can or a cylindrical vessel that is metallic with high conductivity, and fill it with very cold water from the fridge 3. Note the surface/material the can/vessel is sitting on 4. Place the thermometer into the can/vessel and measure the temperature every minute 5. Plot the temperature vs time 6. Make observations of your experiment and what variables could affect the results. This includes the dimensions and geometry of your can/vessel, its material, any openings? These are some variables, but look out for any other ones. Hot water cooling down example: 1. Measure the air temperature of the surroundings 2. Use a mug, or anything heat resistant, fill it with hot water (not too hot in case it burns you) 3. Note the surface/material the mug/vessel is sitting on 4. Place the thermometer into the mug/vessel and measure the temperature every minute 5. Plot the temperature vs time 6. Make observations of your experiment and what variables could affect the results. What was the material of the mug, and what is its thickness. You may need to account for this. What to include and discuss: Provide a detailed description of the setup and methodology used. As the project has an intentional openness to it, the experiments may differ between students. You should provide a diagram of the experimental setup. Diagrams and figures are essential to convey the descriptive message and instructions you are writing. Discuss the relevant theory to justify the setup. 2
Discuss the essentials of performing scientific experimental work. What measures did you put in place to control variables. What did you do to minimise error and ensure reliable data. One assumption we must make is that the fluid inside the vessel is at a constant temper- ature. How deep did you place the temperature probe inside the vessel? Discuss what repercussions this has on the analysis. 3 Results and Analysis [20 marks] Present your experimental measurements in a meaningful way through correct choice of figures and plots. By now you should be using professional plotting tools, e.g. Matlab, Python (Plotly). If you are still using Excel, you should not rely on the default plotting templates, but rather aim for publication quality styles, such as discussed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WZobL1mwkw . Provide your analytical results from empirical correlations Compare the experimental value for h (heat transfer coefficient) and the one you calculated based on theory. 4 Discussion [20 marks] Critically analyse and discuss the results, e.g. What were the causes for the results you saw? What are the causes of the temperature vs time profile you measured? Discuss the key difference between the correlations (fixed boundary conditions)and the experimental data (dynamic conditions) that you obtained Explain the mechanisms of natural convection relating it to the results. What are some of the causes that may have affected the comparison of heat transfer coef- ficients? Provide both qualitative (images to support your discussion) and quantitative results. 5 Conclusion [10 marks] Summarise your key findings, and learnings from this work. For example, this could be what you learned about the heat transfer. (1 page) Report structure, styling [10 Marks] Professional report presentation, structure, accuracy (no errors),captioning, referencing, quality of images, layout (no excessive whitespaces), correct spelling, clear descriptions and explana- tions, clear crisp figures and plots .... etc