ABSTRACT (15 points)[Primary Contributor (Team Leader): Lingbin Meng]

The objective of this experiment is to measure the temperature distribution along an extended surface that has uniform cross section and compare it to the theoretical one. Therefore, make us have a more distinct understanding on the applications and theory of extended surfaces. In real world, to promote the heat transfer, a simple method is adding an extended surface to enlarge cross section area. This method is widely used on solids that needed to transfer heat. To achieve the goal, a measurement experiment is needed to determine the actual values of temperature of some points on the extended surface, which will then be compared to the theoretical ones. Some thermocouples are attached to the extended surface to measure them. According to our data and calculations, errors of group 1 and 3 between measured values and theoretical values are less than 2%, which is reasonable. However, errors of group 2 are around 10%, which we attribute to the approximation of value m, the effect of the surrounding and the effect of the convection and radiation. Overall, our result is acceptable. Therefore, we can make conclusions that the formula of calculating temperature distribution of extended surfaces are scientific and we have done this experiment correctly. This experiment help us fill the gap between theory and real world. Now we have a more clear understanding on fins around us, such as the ones in air conditioner. In the future, we can use the knowledge to design thermal conductive mechanisms and calculate their efficiency.

OBJECTIVE AND INTRODUCTION (5 points) [Primary Contributor: Lingbin Meng]

The objective of this experiment is to measure the temperature distribution along an extended surface that has uniform cross section and compare it to the theoretical one.

The term extended surface is commonly used to depict an important special case involving heat transfer by conduction within a solid and heat transfer by convection (and/or radiation) from the boundaries of the solid. To accelerate heat transfer process, a simple method is adding an extended surface to enlarge cross section area. A good example is air conditioner, in which there are tubes with attached dins used to promote heat exchange between air and the working fluid. Besides, many engines that need to transfer heat will have extended surface, such as motorcycles. So, this method is important for us in future study and mechanical design.