Methods of Heat Transfer

 

Based on the classic diagram for heat transfer in a saucepan, this model can be used to help students better understand the abstract concepts of conduction, convection, and radiation. These are three ways in which heat can be transferred. The model is easy to operate due to its large handles and controls, along with its smoothly moving parts. The model can be operated from the back by a teacher, so it can be presented towards a classroom. 

 

The bold colours of red and blue Bambu Lab filament were used to depict hot and cold temperatures, respectively. This makes it easier to visualise the different temperatures. A saucepan was used as this is relatively commonplace in student’s homes, which makes theoretical concepts easier to understand. The striking Bambu Lab metal filament was appropriately used to mimic a metal saucepan. This contrasts with the ELEGOO wood filament to result in an attractive model, which looks sophisticated and modern. 

 

The entire model can be printed on the A1 mini. 

 

Explanation of concepts

Radiation

In the model, a knob can be turned anti-clockwise to simulate a gas burner turning on. Pieces that depict flames will come out from within the burner. This shows how thermal radiation transfers heat energy from the flame to the saucepan:

• Thermal radiation involves the emission of electromagnetic radiation (mainly infrared radiation) from a material. For example, a gas burner transfers heat to the base of a saucepan via thermal radiation. Thermal radiation does not require a medium to transfer energy. This can be shown in the model by the gap between the flames and the saucepan. 

Convection

In the model, a handle at the back can be turned clockwise. This will rotate two symbols at the front of the model, which shows the operation of convection within a saucepan:

• Convection is the transfer of heat by the movement of particles within liquids and gases. For example, water within a saucepan. When the water in a saucepan heats up in the centre, the particles move faster and their density increases. This causes the particles to rise. These particles are replaced by colder and denser particles above, which sink. This sets up a convection current. 

Conduction

In the model, a slider can be moved inside the handle. This shows how conduction operates in a saucepan: 

• Conduction mainly occurs in solids, though it can occur in liquids and gases. When a saucepan is heated, heat energy is transferred from the flame to the metal particles in the base of the saucepan. The particles within the metal pan will begin to vibrate back and forth, colliding with one another. This transfers energy to neighbouring particles. This results in heat energy being transferred through the metal saucepan and along the handle. If someone was holding the metal handle, they would feel it getting warmer (as shown by the realistic hand model).

   

• Metals are better conductors of heat compared to non-metals because metal particles have free electrons. When free electrons absorb heat energy, they collide with other metal particles and cause them to vibrate more vigorously. Energy is transferred much faster between neighbouring particles, so heat energy is conducted throughout the metal more effectively. 

 

Quick assembly video

 

Concepts and ideas

The following image shows some of the ideas throughout the making of this model. I was very close to giving up on it due to its complexity but managed to find ways to make it work. I tried to model every single part so it would require a small amount of support filament (< 2 g in total), in order to save filament and reduce waste. I also wanted it to fit together as easy as possible, so anyone can build it.

 

 

Assembly instructions in PDF attached.

If you have any problems with the model, please post about them in the comments.

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