Analytical Solution of Transient Heat Conduction through a Hollow Spherical Thermal Insulation Material of a Temperature Dependant Thermal Conductivity

Abstract

The one-dimensional, spherical coordinate, non-linear partial differential equation of transient heat conduction through a hollow spherical thermal insulation material of a thermal conductivity temperature dependent property proposed by an available empirical function is solved analytically using Kirchhoff’s transformation. It is assumed that this insulating material is initially at a uniform temperature. Then, it is suddenly subjected at its inner radius with a step change in temperature. Four thermal insulation materials were selected. An identical analytical solution was achieved when comparing the results of temperature distribution with available analytical solution for the same four case studies that assume a constant thermal conductivity. It is found that the characteristics of the thermal insulation material and the pressure value between its particles have a major effect on the rate of heat transfer and temperature profile.