Objectives and competences

To learn core concepts in the fields of heat and mass transfer and its application. Special attention is given to issues that are needed in other course units, particularly those involving unit operations.

To understand the mechanisms of heat and mass transfer. Determine experimentally and estimate intrinsic parameters (thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity) and extrinsic (heat transfer coefficient). Be able to calculate temperatures and concentrations, involving the various mechanisms and Bioengineering practical applications. Solving problems using steady state heat transfer and non-steady state without internal resistance to heat transfer and mass transfer problems under steady-state and pseudo-steady-state conditions.

Teaching Methodologies

The course unit is structured around lectures, tutorials and laboratory practices.
In the lectures, the theory is presented, and in the tutorials, the methodology of solving some typical problems is explained. During the tutorials, students solve calculation problems with the objective of consolidation and knowledge application.

In the laboratory practices, students perform two laboratory protocols. In these classes, students have the opportunity to observe and quantify phenomena explained in theory and analyse experimental results.

Syllabus

Heat transfer.

• Basics. Transfer mechanisms.
• 1st law of Fourier.
• Newton's law. Equivalent resistance.
• Application of the heat transfer resistance concept for solving steady state problems - unidirectional geometries. Resistances in series and parallel. Critical radius of insulation.
•  Stefan- Boltzmann equation. Black bodies. Emissivity and absorptivity.
• Differential equation for unidirectional heat transfer by conduction. Boundary conditions. Solutions for steady-state and internal heat generation.
• Non-steady state. Newtonian heating / cooling.

Mass transfer.

• Basics. Fick’s 1st law. Applications for unidirectional diffusion geometries. Boundary conditions: Henry's law, Raoult's law. The concept of partition coefficient.
• Diffusion under steady and pseudo-steady state conditions.
• Molecular diffusion in gases - equimolecular counterdiffusion. Diffusion and convection in gases.