CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

INTRODUCTION

Since the advent of the digital computer, there has been a revolution in the general area of
mathematical modeling. Detailed analysis of most engineering problem has become possible
where only crude approximation had to be relied upon. For many problems of simple
geometry and boundary condition, exact solutions have existed for decades. Unfortunately
most problem of engineering interest involves complicated geometries and boundary
condition. The cost-effectiveness and competitiveness for an engineering product depends
greatly on the analysis employed during the design process. This necessitates the use of
numerical method to obtained approximate solution to real engineering problem.
A large variety of numerical methods have been used to analyses the problem of heat
transfer. Some of these methods were used before the power of the digital computer was
available, and have thus become redundant. The two numerical methods which have achieved
the greatest degree of popularity and success since the arrival of computer have been the
finite different method (FDM) and the finite element method (FEM).
For this study of heat transfer, the state and operation of the building envelope is
analyzed. This consists of building components such as walls, roofs and foundations. The
physical processes in the building envelope components deal with heat, moisture and air
transfer. These physical transport processes determine the performance of the building. This
is why heat and mass (moisture and air) transfer is of fundamental interest. Good knowledge
in building physics is essential for planning and constructing sound, energy-efficient

buildings with high levels of comfort and durability. In the process of building physical
design, temperature levels, heat flows and moisture conditions must be predicted. The
expected performances and the consequences of alternative designs and technical solutions
must be known before important decisions can be taken.
For building comfortable, thermal comfort is the main important thing to be analyzed
by engineer. The definition of thermal comfort is state or condition of mind which expresses
satisfaction with the thermal environment. The feeling of comfort or discomfort is based on a
network of sense organs like eyes, nose, tactical sensors, heat sensors and brain. Bodily
sensation, thermal comfort us a sensation of hot, warm, slightly warmer, neutral, slightly
cooler, cool and cold.
Heat transfer is the exchange of thermal energy between physical systems. The rate of
heat transfer is dependent on the temperatures of the systems and the properties of the
intervening medium through which the heat is transferred. The three fundamental modes of
heat transfer are conduction, convection and radiation. Heat transfer, the flow of energy in the
form of heat, is a process by which a system changes its internal energy, hence is of vital use
in applications of the First Law of Thermodynamics.
When a colour (coloured surface) absorbs light, it turns the light into thermal energy
(heat). The more light a colour absorbs, the more thermal energy it produces. Black surface
absorbs all colours of light and is therefore warmer than white surface which reflects all
colours. The colours of the spectrum appearing the darkest and most like black (violet,
indigo, and forest green) will produce the most thermal energy. The other colours (red,
orange, and yellow), will produce the least thermal energy because they appear lighter or
more like white.
The main aim of this study is to provide basic heat transfer process in concrete with
different surfaces colour properties using the finite element method which may be used in a
wide variety of applications. Without reference to any particular application, this study
provide means to the next generation to enable him to solve a large number of different heat
transfer problems.

1.2

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Based on the study will be carried out, there are some issues that have been identified.
Among these are a number of studies have been conducted to see the reaction heat of
the concrete. To ensure that the study will be done is the same as previous studies,
some parameters have been identified.

1.3

OBJECTIVES
This study focuses on modelling of heat transfer process in concrete with different
surface properties. The main objectives to be achieved in this study are :

1.4

i)

To develop the finite element formulation of heat transfer process in

ii)

concrete layer with different surface colour.

To analyze heat transfer process of concrete sample using developed

iii)

finite element formulation

To verified the developed formulation using existing commercial finite

element software AnSyS Maxwell.

SCOPE OF STUDY

Different properties of surface colour have different properties of heat transfer. White colour
is a control sample for this study. The basic equation of heat transfer will be study to develop
a new formulation of heat transfer. The properties of concrete surface, colour and thermal
energy 3333333333 This study will make modeling by using MATLAB software to get the
new finite element formulation of heat transfer.