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Periodic Conduction in a Semi-Infinite Body

UPDATED: 09/14/2022
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This workbook “animates” the analytical solution for transient conduction in a semi-infinite body subject to a periodically varying temperature at the exposed face. The input parameters used for the plot shown below correspond to the annual temperature cycle in the ground (about 3x10E7 seconds) but may be readily changed.

Temperature vs. Depth for conduction in a semi-infinite body exposed to a periodically varying temperature at one surface. Parameters chosen to approximate the annual cycle at the surface of the earth.  A little more than 18 days have elapsed between each of the curves.

 

Note the effect of thermal inertia in the transient plots.

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