The Combined Effects of Heat Transfer Coefficient and Thermal Diffusivity on Heating Rates of Solid Materials - A Simple Analysis

Abstract

It is often perceived that an object with a higher thermal diffusivity will heat faster in comparison to that with a lower thermal diffusivity. This is however not always the case, as previously numerically proved by Palazoglu (2006). In this short communication, an analytical explanation of this is provided. Three generic cases are discussed which reinforce the observations made by Palazoglu (2006).