Heat Resistances in Series: Keep Each Layer in the Model

Define the Thermal Model

In steady one-dimensional conduction without internal generation, a plane layer has R = L/(kA). Series resistances add, and the same heat rate passes through each. MIT’s thermal-resistance circuit lesson develops this model. A layer’s temperature drop is the heat rate multiplied by that layer’s resistance.

Compare a Hypothetical Case

Suppose two invented layers each have area 1 m². Layer A is 2 mm thick with k = 20 W/(m·K); layer B is 10 mm with k = 0.10. Their resistances are 0.0001 and 0.10 K/W. Across 50 K, the heat rate is about 499.5 W. Only about 0.05 K falls across A; approximately 49.95 K falls across B.

Complete the Engineering Review

Draw the actual path from hot boundary to cold boundary and identify layers that the heat encounters consecutively. Add contact and boundary-film terms where relevant. For a support or metal bridge that bypasses insulation, sketch a parallel path rather than appending it to the same series list. Keep every resistance on a consistent area basis.

Use the storage-tank context to organize construction questions, then obtain the actual stack drawing. The illustrative steady model does not predict warm-up time or local temperatures near joints. Those require geometry and transient conditions beyond this sheet.

Which thermal resistances contribute to the modelled heat path?

This blank worksheet is for your own project. It contains no H M machine trial result.

Customer Questions

Related Equipment References

Review the actual offered equipment and application separately from this educational example.

• storage-tank context

Primary References

These references support the technical principles discussed in this guide. The worked examples and review questions are educational.

• MIT’s thermal-resistance circuit lesson
• storage-tank context