An equation of transient heat conduction is derived that involves the velocity of an isotherm and the rate of heat flow across the isotherm. It is shown that this equation is analogous to the equation of wave theory which relates the group velocity and phase velocity of the wave. It is shown that the equation derived for heat flow serves as a criterion for the propagation of a temperature distribution without change of form in the same way that the analogous equation of wave theory serves a similar purpose. It is also shown that under certain conditions the moving isotherms can be treated as moving heat sources.
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1953 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1953
American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.
