Blundell Thermal Physics · Problem 10.7

The thermal diffusion equation

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · thermal-resistance-slabs-in-series

Problem

A series of NN large, flat rectangular slabs with thickness Δxi\Delta x_i and thermal conductivity κi\kappa_i are placed on top of one another. The top and bottom surfaces are maintained at temperature TiT_i and TfT_f respectively. Show that the heat flux JJ through the slabs is given by J=(Ti−Tf)/∑iRiJ = (T_i - T_f)/\sum_i R_i, where Ri=Δxi/κiR_i = \Delta x_i/\kappa_i.

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