Eq 2.31 – Conduction Heat Transfer

Heat transfer rate by one-dimensional conduction through a plane wall

\(\displaystyle \dot{Q}_{\text{cond},x} = -kA\,\frac{T_2 - T_1}{L}\)

Symbols

\(\dot{Q}_{\text{cond},x}\) — heat transfer rate
\(k\) — thermal conductivity of wall material
\(A\) — wall area normal to the direction of heat transfer
\(L\) — wall thickness in the direction of heat transfer
\(T_1,\,T_2\) — temperatures of the wall surfaces

Schematic

Inputs & Outputs

Wall material preset

Thermal conductivity \(k\) (W/(m·K))

Wall area \(A\) (m²)

Wall thickness \(L\) (m)

\(T_1\) — surface temperature (K)

\(T_2\) — surface temperature (K) fixed at 300 K

Heat transfer rate \(\dot{Q}_{\text{cond},x}\)

— kW

Plot

Each panel varies one parameter across its full range while the others are held at current values. The red dot marks the current operating point — drag it or use the sliders above.