A Spreadsheet Approach To Teaching Numerical Methods For Steady And Unsteady Heat Transfer

Baughn, J. W.

doi:10.18260/1-2--15108

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…It has been shown [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] that Excel is an effective computational tool in solving heat transfer problems. Excel operates with data and formulas entered by the user into a spreadsheet.…”

Section: Excel Spreadsheetmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Using Excel’s Goal Seek and Solver Functions as Effective Computational Tools in Solving Heat Transfer Problems

Karimi¹

2009 GSW Proceedings

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An introductory course in heat transfer coves basic modes of heat transfer, namely conduction, convection and radiation. The analytical solutions to heat transfer problems are typically limited to steady-state one-dimensional heat conduction, simple cases of one dimensional transient conduction, two-dimensional conduction, and calculation of radiation view factors for objects displaying simple geometries. Chart or graph are provided in textbooks to aid students in solving more complex transient or multi-dimensional heat conduction problems. Empirical formulas are usually used for solving heat convection problems. The heat transfer application includes fin design and heat exchanger analysis involving simple flow patterns. Integration of a computational tool in the course is an effective way to aid students in solving more complex problems. Excel which is usually available on almost all desktop or laptop computers, can serve as an effective and inexpensive computational tool in a heat transfer course. In recent publication of papers in the proceeding of the conferences we described how Excel can be used in solving fin and heat exchanger problems. Others have demonstrated the use of Excel in solving boundary layer equations and transient heat conduction problems. This paper focuses on the application of "Solver" and "Goal Seek" functions of Excel to solve heat transfer problems requiring iteration solution process. It presents a summary of several papers previously presented on this topic and provides several examples demonstrating the application of Excel in solving heat transfer problems.

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Section: Excel Spreadsheetmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The second boundary condition in Eq. (22) requires that the value of θ should approach 1.0 as η becomes very large. This condition is not satisfied by the cell C803 in Fig.…”

Section: Prmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Excel’s Goal Seek and Solver Functions as Effective Computational Tools in Solving Heat Transfer Problems

Karimi¹

2009 GSW Proceedings

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“…Other initiatives aimed at teaching computational heat transfer are described in references [4] and [5]. The use of spreadsheets is a good teaching tool for getting the students involved in the calculation process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactive Computer Program For Transient Conductive Heat Transfer Concepts

McMasters

Sexton

Somerton

et al.

2007 Annual Conference &Amp; Exposition Proceedings

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An interactive computer based learning tool for undergraduate students enrolled in Heat Transfer courses has been significantly expanded. A previous version of the program provided graphical depictions of two-dimensional steady state conduction solutions for cases where temperature boundary conditions were prescribed. The present research expands the features of the program to include prescribed heat flux boundary conditions as well as convective boundary conditions. Moreover, the expanded program also handles transient cases so that students can watch temperature changes in a material on a real-time basis. The addition of these boundary conditions also now allows one dimensional problems to be solved by specifying a zero heat flux condition on opposing sides of the body.The solutions for the original version of the program were generated using a code developed for Sandia National Laboratory which was DOS based. The revised program has replaced this computational kernel with a numerical solution which is programmed as part of the native Visual Basic code. This feature allows the program to run more seamlessly, without the need for a black DOS window to appear on the screen.The interface between the student and the kernel program allows visualization of the temperature field generated in the two-dimensional body. The program is used by students on an individual basis as a supplement to their usual textbook, homework and class involvement.Input from the students is prompted via text boxes in a Windows based program. Coincident with the expanded features of the program is a need for considerably more input on the part of the students. The six input items required by the user in the previous program version have been expanded to 17, with a corresponding number of input boxes provided for that purpose. Additionally, there are two "calculate" buttons which start the program running, one for steady state problems and one for transient problems.Students enrolled in the Heat Transfer courses at two separate institutions are given instruction sheets for operating the program, including prescribed temperature values for the boundaries. They are then asked to provide a written response to questions, requiring them to explain where the heat flux is the largest and the smallest in the body. An evaluation of the program by the students is included in the study as a means of determining the effectiveness of the program. Since the learning atmosphere in each of the two schools included in this study is very different, the reaction from the students at each of these schools is of special interest.

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A Spreadsheet Approach To Teaching Numerical Methods For Steady And Unsteady Heat Transfer

Cited by 2 publications

References 3 publications

Using Excel’s Goal Seek and Solver Functions as Effective Computational Tools in Solving Heat Transfer Problems

Using Excel’s Goal Seek and Solver Functions as Effective Computational Tools in Solving Heat Transfer Problems

Interactive Computer Program For Transient Conductive Heat Transfer Concepts

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