Unsteady Heat Transfer Resulting from the Rapid Charging of an Evacuated Tank With Conducting Walls
Abstract
The two classical problems of charging a tank with an ideal gas concern themselves only with the initial and final states of the gas. The first problem involves an insulated tank. From initial conditions, the final temperature of the gas in the tank can be determined. The second problem involves a tank with conducting walls. In this case, it is the total heat transferred from the gas to the tank walls which can be found. This study went beyond these equillibrium analyses to acquire a fundamental understanding of the transient phenomenon involved in charging a tank. By way of experimentation, transient pressure and heat flux measurement were made on an evacuated cylindrical tank as it was charged by sudden exposure to the atmosphere. Then, an average convection coefficient and driving temperature potential for the tank were found. A method was then developed for estimating heating rates for other tanks and different ambient conditions. Also, information about the transient flow dynamics occurring within the tank was gleaned from the heat transfer data. This information includes rates of kinetic, internal, and thermal energy generation and dissipation as well as rates of entropy creation in the gas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA179206
Entities
People
- Dennis E. Lileikis
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology