Cold and Motivational - A Heat Transfer Modelling Project

Despite that fact that heat transfer equations can appear deceptively simple, many common systems develop phenomena that can be difficult to completely describe mathematically. In this project students are required to develop a model for the warming of beer in vessels of variable geometry and volume taking into account all conductive, convective and radiative heat transfer as well as phenomena affecting this heat transfer e.g. condensation on the vessel surface, the effect of insulation layers and the effect of the release of carbon dioxide from solution. The students first develop a model based on their own (at times extensive) experience of beer warming and then design a series of experiments to test the completeness of their model against a physical system. The students then revise the assumptions of their model in the light of this experience and further develop the mathematical description of the system. The project allows students to develop a literature survey; experimental design and model develop skills within the context of a complex yet familiar system and as such is a valuable tool in the development of heat transfer skills.