An experiment to calculate the heat transfer coefficient using a phase change material is described. The various tests use a naphthalene ball which changes from solid to gas. The technique is simple and inexpensive, and it is capable of yielding meaningful results.
It will be seen that the heat transfer rises with the temperature and air flowrate. Also, students will be encouraged to analyse their own results and to find other variations to this experiment. This will considerably enhance the students' understanding of the processes at work.
Macías-MachínA.WinterG.FerragutL.WannenmacherN., ‘Solidification within a spherical enclosure including effects of natural convection’, Exp. Heat Transfer, 6, 315 (1993).
3.
DeanJohn A. (Ed.), Langes Handbook of Chemistry, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1985.
