Sample interview questions: Describe the principles of heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation.
Sample answer:
Conduction
- Heat transfer occurs through direct contact between two objects.
- Heat flows from the hotter object to the cooler object.
- The rate of heat transfer is proportional to the temperature difference between the objects and the area of contact.
- The thermal conductivity of the material also influences the rate of heat transfer.
Convection
- Heat transfer occurs through the movement of a fluid (liquid or gas).
- The fluid absorbs heat from a hotter surface and releases it to a cooler surface.
- The rate of heat transfer is proportional to the temperature difference between the fluid and the surfaces, the velocity of the fluid, and the surface area.
- The thermal conductivity and viscosity of the fluid also affect the rate of heat transfer.
Radiation
- Heat transfer occurs through electromagnetic waves.
- Heat flows from a hotter object to a cooler object without requiring any contact.
- The rate of heat t… Read full answer