The Transient Temperature Distribution in a Slab Subject to Thermal Radiation

The transient, one-dimensional temperature distribution is determined for a slab, insulated on one face, and subjected to thermal radiation at the other face. The slab is initially at a uniform temperature and is assumed to be homogeneous, isotropic, and opaque; the physical properties are assumed to be independent of temperature. Transient temperature distributions for both heating and cooling situations are obtained by means of a thermal-electrical analog computer. A diode limiter circuit is used to simulate the nonlinear radiant heat flux. The transient temperature distributions are presented in a dimensionless, graphical form for a wide range of variables. Approximate analytical solutions are also given which complement and extend the solution charts over ranges of parameters not covered in the charts.