A technician is modifying the thermal management system of an industrial generator. Match each design modification on the left to its primary effect on conductive heat transfer on the right.
- Switching a heat sink from steel to pure copperIncreases conduction rate by using a material with a higher thermal conductivity constant
- Widening the solid metal mounting bracketsIncreases conduction rate by providing a larger cross-sectional area for heat flow
- Installing a dense fiberglass pad beneath the unitDecreases conduction rate by introducing a material with high thermal resistance
- Grinding down the metal engine casing to make it thinnerIncreases conduction rate by reducing the distance the heat must travel
Answer
Switching to copper increases conductivity; widening brackets increases cross-sectional area; fiberglass decreases conduction via thermal resistance; thinning the casing reduces travel distance.
Each design modification directly alters one of the fundamental physical variables that govern thermal conduction. Material selection dictates the conductivity constant, width changes the cross-sectional area, insulators add thermal resistance, and thickness dictates the linear travel distance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Variables governing the rate of conductive heat transfer (thermal conductivity, cross-sectional area, and thickness).