Transport Phenomena - Assignment
(Short Answers Part 2)
21. Write a general relationship between liquid thermal conductivity and
its temperature as per molecular theory of liquids.
Thermal conductivity of liquids generally decreases with an increase in temperature, as
molecular movement disrupts orderly energy transfer.
22. For pure metals, what is the relationship between thermal and
electrical conductivity?
In pure metals, thermal conductivity (k) and electrical conductivity (σ) are proportional,
following the Wiedemann-Franz law.
23. Distinguish thermal and electrical conductivity near absolute zero
temperatures.
Near absolute zero, electrical conductivity becomes perfect (superconductivity) in some
metals, but thermal conductivity still relies on phonon interactions, which can be reduced.
24. 'Lorenz number' is the ratio of
Thermal conductivity (k) to the product of electrical conductivity (σ) and temperature (T).
25. For pure metals, values of the 'Lorenz number' vary between
2.0 × 10⁻⁸ and 2.5 × 10⁻⁸ WΩK⁻².
26. Distinguish between the convective energy flux vector and the
combined energy flux vector.
Convective flux accounts for energy carried by the bulk fluid motion, while combined
energy flux includes both convective and conductive contributions.
27. Distinguish between molecular energy flux and combined energy flux.
Molecular energy flux refers to energy transferred by molecular diffusion, while combined
energy flux includes molecular diffusion and convective transport.
28. The effective thermal conductivity of foam, in general, is -------- than
the solid. Explain.
Lower. The air pockets in the foam reduce its ability to conduct heat compared to the solid
material.
29. Compare the orders of magnitude of gases and liquids.
Thermal conductivity of liquids is generally one to two orders of magnitude higher than that
of gases.
30. In what way are Newton's law of viscosity and Fourier's law of heat
conduction similar? Dissimilar?
Similar: Both describe transport processes (momentum and heat, respectively)
proportional to gradients. Dissimilar: Newton’s law deals with velocity gradients, while
Fourier’s law deals with temperature gradients.
31. Justify the argument that at the solid-liquid interface, the
temperature is equal to the velocity of the solid surface.
Temperature is continuous at the interface, and the no-slip condition implies that fluid at
the interface takes on the velocity of the solid surface.
32. Justify the argument that at the liquid-liquid interface, the
temperature is continuous through the interface.
There is no abrupt change in temperature between two immiscible liquids in contact,
ensuring thermal equilibrium.
33. Justify the argument that at the liquid-liquid interface, the energy flux
is continuous through the interface.
The continuity of energy flux ensures conservation of energy across the interface, meaning
energy transfer rates are equal on both sides.
34. Write the law of conservation of energy used for shell balances and
explain each term involved.
The law: Rate of energy in - rate of energy out + rate of energy generation = rate of energy
accumulation. Terms represent heat flux, energy sources, and the rate of change of internal
energy.
35. The Brinkman number is the ratio of
Viscous dissipation to conductive heat transfer.
36. Compare forced and free convection in non-isothermal systems.
Forced convection relies on external forces (e.g., fans), while free convection is driven by
density differences due to temperature variations.
37. Write the equation of change for internal energy and explain each
term involved.
dU/dt = Q - W + Σmi (hi - Δke - Δpe). It relates heat, work, and mass flow rates to internal
energy change.
38. Write the equation of change for temperature and explain each term
involved.
dT/dt = (∇²T)/α + (q/ρcp), where α is thermal diffusivity, q is heat generation, ρ is density,
and cp is specific heat.
39. Write the equation of change for temperature applicable for an ideal
gas.
dT/dt = (1/ρcp)(k∇²T + q), with additional assumptions based on ideal gas behavior.
40. Write the equation of change for temperature applicable for fluid
flowing in a constant pressure system.
ρcp(dT/dt) = k∇²T + q, accounting for heat conduction and generation under constant
pressure conditions.
