Table Content

No Title Page
1 Table Content 1
2 Title of experiment 2
3 Individual Background Information (KONG YIOK YII) 2
4 Individual Background Information (KWAN LOK KIAT) 3
5 Individual Background Information (LAI CHUN WEI) 4
6 Individual Background Information (LAI KAI YAN) 5
7 Individual Background Information (LEONG SIM YEEN) 6
8 Theory 7
9 Objective of the experiment 7
10 Equipment used and diagram 8
11 Precautions 9
12 Experiment procedure 9
13 Data and results 10
14 Discussions 10 – 15
15 Conclusion 16
16 References 17

Experiment 2: Effects of Heat in a Building Demonstrator

Individual Background information (KONG YIOK YII 15WTD03013)
Heat refers to the state of energy an object has in relation to the kinetic energy of
its molecules or atoms. Heat will transfer down a temperature gradient from a warm
object to a cooler object. Heat energy is therefore measured in the usual unit of energy,

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the Joule (J). The rate of heat flow is measured in Js -1, Watt (W) (Sullivan and
Edmondson, 2008). In fact, there are three methods heat is transferred: conduction,
convection and radiation.
Solids, particularly metals, whose molecules are packed relatively close
together, are the best materials for conduction. Molecules of liquid or non-metallic
solids vary in their ability to conduct heat, but gas is a poor conductor, because of the
loose attractions between its molecules. In the conduction of heat, kinetic energy is
passed from molecule to molecule.
Convection involves the movement of heated material—whether it is air, water,
or some other fluid. Convection is divided into two types: natural convection and forced
convection, in which a pump or other mechanism moves the heated fluid. When heated
air rises, this is an example of natural convection. Hot air has a lower density than that
of the cooler air in the atmosphere above it, is buoyant; as it rises, it loses energy and
cools. This cooled air is now denser than the air around it, sinks again, creating a
repeating cycle that generates wind. Forced convection includes ovens, a refrigerator or
even an air conditioner. These machines both move warm air from an interior to an
exterior place. Thus, the refrigerator pulls hot air from the compartment and expels it to
the surrounding room, while an air conditioner pulls heat from a building and releases it
to the outside.
As there is no atmosphere in space, convection is impossible. In fact, heat from
the Sun is not depending on any fluid medium for its transfer: it comes to Earth by
means of radiation. It involves electromagnetic energy, instead of ordinary thermal
energy generated by the action of molecules. Heat from the Sun comes through a
relatively narrow area of the light spectrum, including infrared, visible light, and
ultraviolet rays. Every form of matter emits electromagnetic waves, though their
presence may not be readily perceived. Thus, when a metal rod is heated, it experiences
conduction, but part of its heat is radiated. Even when the heat in an object is not
visible, however, it may be radiating electromagnetic energy, for instance, in the form
of infrared light (Encyclopedia.com, 2015).
Individual Background information (KWAN LOK KIAT 15WTD02119)

The expansion of a material takes place when the head is added to a solid.
Therefore the particles gain energy and vibrate more vigorously. The heat will move

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from a heated area to a cooler area. This heat transfer will continue until the objects are
the same temperature.

Heat transfers through direct contact with objects that are touching calls
conduction However; the hotter object passes heat to the cooler object. Set an example,
cooking food on a stove, the heat transfer from the stove to the pan , and the pan transfer
heat to the people who are cooking.

Convection is how heat passes through fluids. A fluid is anything that has loosely
moving molecules that can move easily from one place to another. Liquids and gases are
fluids...

Convection is heat passes through fluids. Fluid is a substance, as a liquid or gas,

that is capable of flowing and thatchanges its shape at a sufficient rate when acted upon 
by a force tending to change its shape. Fluid is rise when heated because the molecules
spread out and move apart when they get hot. The hot fluid becomes less dense and
rises up. Cooler fluid is less dense and so it sinks down. This up-and-down motion
creates what are called convection currents. Convection currents are circular movements
of heated fluids that help spread the heat.

Radiation is heat transfer through waves. Therefore, the heat is transfer without
molecules. Example, we can feel the heat pass through our body when we are standing
under a light bulb or sun. So, there is a radiation of heat takes place.

Figure 1 Example diagrams shows how the heat transfer through radiation, conduction
and convection
Individual Background information (LAI CHUN WEI 15WTD05401)
A good thermal environment is a major aspect in the successful performance of
a building. Both human beings and their building interact with the heat that surrounding
them and they also contribute to the heat. The thermal design included the requirements

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of human comfort, the types of heat loss and heat gains by buildings, and the nature of
moisture in the air [ CITATION Placeholder1 \l 1033 ].

Heat energy is a form of energy and also an internal molecular property of

material. Heat energy always tends to transfer from high temperature to low
temperature. For example, if several bodies at different temperatures are close together
then heat will be exchanged between them until they are at the same temperature. There
are 3 basic processes of heat energy to transfer, which are Conduction, Convection and
Radiation

Conduction is the transfer of heat energy through a material without the

molecules of the material changing their basic positions, where the convection is the
transfer of heat energy through a material by the bodily movement of particles.
Radiation is the transfer of heat energy by electromagnetic waves [ CITATION
Placeholder1 \l 1033 ].

In order to maintain a constant temperature within a building it is necessary to

restrict the rate at which heat energy is exchanged with the surroundings. Keeping heat
inside a building for as long as possible conserves energy and reduces heating costs.

Thermal insulation is the major factor in reducing the loss of heat from a
building. One of the benefits is saving cost of extra heating or cooling plants. Besides, it
also can reduce the risk of surface condensation[ CITATION Placeholder1 \l 1033 ].
Thermal insulation is a material which opposes the transfer of heat between areas of
different temperatures. In this experiment, there are 3 types of materials tests as thermal
insulation, which are cement, plywood and plaster board. It is clearly seen that the
plywood having a low density than others. The lower the density, the lower the thermal
conductivity. The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the heat insulation.

Individual Background information (LAI KAH YAN 15WTD04402)

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 Heat is a form of energy. Heat also can be termed as thermal energy. In fact,
heat will produced because of the result of movement of tiny particles such as atom,
molecules and ions which can be in any states such as solid, liquid and gaseous state.
[ CITATION Sci09 \l 17417 ] In other word, the movement of the particles can be said that
the particles are vibrating or bumping to each other, because of this, heat is produced
due to the movement of these particles. The SI unit of heat is joule (J).

Heat energy will transit from one body to another is due to the difference of
temperature between the two bodies. Heat energy is always transfers from a high
temperature region to a low temperature region until the temperature of the two regions
are equal. If the temperature of the two regions is equal, it can be said that both of the
region is in thermal equilibrium.

Heat energy can transfer from one place to another by 3 basic heat transfers such
as conduction, convection and radiation.

Figure 2: Modes of Heat Transfer[ CITATION Sab14 \l 17417 ]

Conduction is the heat energy flow through a material without changing the
molecules’ of the material position. Conduction is also the transfer of heat between
substances that are in direct contact with one another. It also can occur in solid, liquid
and gas but solid conduct heat better that liquid and gas. The better the conductor, the
more rapidly the heat will transfer.[ CITATION Sab14 \l 17417 ] Convection is the transfer
heat through a material by the movement of particles such as boiling water. Convection
can occur in liquid and gas except solid. Radiation is the transfer of heat through
electromagnetic waves, such as from the sun.[ CITATION And15 \l 17417 ]

Individual Background information (LEONG SIM YEEN 15WTD02848)

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 In order to maintain a constant temperature within a building, the rate at which
heat energy is exchange with the surrounding need to be restricted. Keeping heat inside
a building for as long as possible conserves energy and reduces costs.

Good thermal insulation will reduce the flow of heat into a building when the
temperature outside is higher than the temperature inside. (McMullan, 2007, p14) Next,
good thermal insulation makes the risk of surface condensation is reduced because the
internal surfaces of a room are kept a temperature which is above the dew-point of the
air. (McMullan, 2007, p14) Well-placed thermal insulation also reduces the time taken
for a room to heat up a confortable temperature. (McMullan, 2007, p14)

A thermal transmittance, U-value is a measure of the overall rate of heat

transfer, by the mechanisms under standard conditions, through a particular section of
construction. (McMullan, 2007, p19) The unit of thermal transmittance is W/m2 K.

Standard U-values of elements are needed as a common basis for comparing the
effectiveness of different forms of wall, window, roof and floor. They are calculated by
using standard values for factors such as moisture contents of materials and rates of heat
transfer at surfaces and in cavities. (McMullan, 2007, p20)

Figure 3: Maximum U-values in typical insulation standards. (IPPEC,

Thermal resistance, R-values is used to describe the condition where the

different layers and surfaces of a building element such as a wall oppose the
transmission of heat by varying amounts. (McMullan, 2007, p22)

Theory:

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 1. Heat is a form of energy which is transferred from one body to another body at a
lower temperature by virtue of temperature difference between the bodies.
2. The S.I. unit for the heat is Joule, J.
3. Heat is energy in transit from one body to another as the result of a temperature
difference between the two bodies. Heat transfer is always from a region of high
temperature to a region of lower temperature and never in opposite direction.
For example is body A has a temperature 20˚c while B has a temperature of
25˚c, heat will travel from body B to body A until the temperature of bodies A
and B are equal.
4. When the temperature of bodies A and B are equal, both of them are said to be
in thermal equilibrium.
5. When an object absorbs heat, its internal energy increases.
6. Heat can transfer from one place to another by conduction, convection and
radiation.
7. For reflection and absorption of heat, normally materials with clear colours and
smooth surface would tend to reflect more and absorb less. But materials with
dark colours tend to reflect less and absorb more.
8. This is the reason why during hot sunny days, we should not wear clothes which
are dark in colour.
9. Besides, materials with clear colours and smooth surfaces would release heat
faster than materials with dark colours.

Objective

1. To determine the effects of temperature on different materials / boards when

they are subjected to the heat source.
2. To study the relationship between density and thermal conductivity of different
materials.

Equipment
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Building Demonstrator (Figure 4), thermo hunter (Figure 5), plywood board (Figure 6),
concrete board (Figure 7) and gypsum board (Figure 8)

Figure 4: Building Demonstrator

Figure 5: Thermo hunter

Figure 6: Plywood board Figure 7: Concrete board

Figure 8: Gypsum board

Precautions

1. Students performing the experiments should be supervised by the lecturers in

charge.
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 2. Do not touch the heat panel or the infrared heater when carrying out the
experiment because the panel is hot.
3. It is advisable to carry out this experiment last.
4. Switch off the power from the power point and the main supply when the
Building Demonstrator is not in use.
5. Pull off the plug from the power supply after turning it off, to prevent voltage
surge during thunderstorms.

Procedures

1. Set up the demonstrator by plugging into a 240 V AC single-phase 50 Hz

supply.
2. Unscrewed all the four nuts at the end of the demonstrator, put the heat panel
and tightened it.
3. Plugged in the heater to a power point which is located at the side of the control
panel.
4. By using the thermo hunter measured the surface temperature of the plywood
before the experiment is started.
5. Put the plywood into a black rack and place it onto the demonstrator which was
located 60cm away from the heat source.
6. Turned ON the heater, closed the 2 doors and waited for about 3 minutes.
7. Opened the door, by using the thermo hunter, pointed the red laser to the surface
of the board, read and recorded the temperature shown on the screen.
8. Continued the experiment and took results for different distances (120 cm, 180
cm) away from the heat source.
9. Repeated this experiment by using different types of board.
10. When the experiment had been completed, do not touched and took out the heat
panel immediately because the panel is VERY HOT (about 150˚c). Waited and
used the thermo hunter to check the temperature before touching or taking out
the heat panel.
11. Calculated the density of each of the building material by weighing and dividing
it by its volume.

Data and Result

Materials Density Initial Temperature (˚c)

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 (kg/m3) temperature Dist. 60 cm Dist. 120 cm Dist. 180cm
Before After Before After Before After
(˚c)
Plywood 589.01 28.8 38.1 31.8 35.6 31.5 34.1 31.1
Gypsum 653.03 29.8 35.8 32.9 30.8 29.4 29.2 29.0
Cement 1344.47 29.2 33.6 32.2 32.8 31.7 31.5 31.2
board

Discussion Questions:

1. Plot a graph showing the relationship between temperature (vertical axis) and
distance from heat source (horizontal axis) for the 3 different building materials.

Material Initial Change in Temperature (˚c)

temperature Dist. 60cm Dist. 120cm Dist. 180cm
(˚c) Befor After Before After Before After
e
Plywood 28.8 9.3 3.0 6.8 2.7 5.3 2.3
Gypsum 29.8 6.0 3.1 2.7 1.3 1.1 0.9
Cement 29.2 4.4 3.0 3.6 2.5 2.3 2.0
board

Refer to the graph. (pg13 – 15)

2. What is the thermal resistance (R-value)? Elaborate on the 3 general types of

thermal resistance.

Thermal resistance (R-values) is a measure of the opposition to heat transfer

offered by a particular component in a building element. The unit of thermal
resistance is m2 K/W. (McMullan, 2007, p22)

 Material resistances

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 The thermal resistance of each layer of material in a structure depends on the
rate at which the material conducts heat and the thickness of the material.
(McMullan, 2007, p22)

R = d/k where R = thermal resistance od that component (m2 K/W)

d = thickness of the material (m)
k = thermal conductivity of the material (W/m K)
1
Alternatively, where r = = resistivity of material (m K/W)
R=rxd k

 Surface resistances
The thermal resistance of an open surface depends upon the conduction,
convection and radiation at that surface. The air in contact with a surface forms a
stationary layer which opposes the flow of heat. Surface resistances are usually
found by consulting standard values that have been found by measurement or by
advanced calculations. (McMullan, 2007, p22)
The factors that affect surface resistance are direction of heat flow, climatic
effects and surface properties.

 Airspace resistances
The thermal resistance of an airspace or empty cavity depends on the nature of
any conduction, convection and radiation within the cavity. Airspace resistances
are usually found by consulting published standard value. (McMullan, 2007,
p22)
The factor that affects airspace resistance are thickness of the airspace, flow of
air in airspace and lining of airspace.

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3. What is the relationship between density and thermal conductivity? From the 3
building materials (plywood, cement board and gypsum board), which offers the
best heat insulation? Why?

The higher the density, the higher the thermal conductivity value. The best heat
insulator between plywood, cement board and gypsum board is plywood. From the
result of the experiment, at distance 60cm, the temperature before and after is 38.1˚c
and 31.8˚c. The difference of the temperature is 6.3˚c. At distance 120cm, the
temperature before and after is 35.6˚c and 31.5˚c. The difference of the temperature
is 4.1˚c. At distance 180cm, the temperature before and after is 34.1˚c and 31.1˚c.
The difference of the temperature is 3.0˚c. There is a big different changes
temperature before and after of plywood. Therefore, plywood is the better heat
insulator.

4. Discuss the common building materials used for heat insulation and their
applications.
 Rigid performed materials. Application: aerated concrete blocks. (McMullan,
2007, p15)
 Flexible materials. Application: fiberglass quilts. (McMullan, 2007, p15)
 Loose fill materials. Application: expanded polystyrene granules. (McMullan,
2007, p15)
 Materials formed on site. Application: foamed polyurethane. (McMullan,
2007, p15)
 Reflective materials. Application: aluminum foil (McMullan, 2007, p15)

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13
14
15
Conclusion

In the experiment, it was found that the bigger the changes between temperature
before and after the board, the better thermal insulation provided. Concrete board is
poor in thermal insulation because the changes between temperature before and after the
board are lower than plywood board and gypsum board.

Besides, it was also found that the higher the density of the material, the higher
the thermal conductivity values. Concrete board has a higher density compared to
plywood board and gypsum board. It has higher thermal conductivity values.

Therefore, it can be conclude that the higher the density, the higher the thermal
conductivity value, the lower the thermal resistance, R-value. It can be proved in the

d
formula: R= . The thermal resistance, R-value is inversely proportional to thermal
k
conductivity of material, k-value.

There are some factors that affect the accuracy of the experiment, for instance,
heat loss occur when open the building demonstrator and the distance between the board
and heat source is be adjusted accurately due to parallax error. In order to increases the
accuracy of the experiment, the procedure 4 to 10 must be repeated until obtain an
average values.

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Reference

1. Encyclopedia.com, (2015). heat Facts, information, pictures | Encyclopedia.com

articles about heat. [online] Available at:
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/heat.aspx [Accessed 8 Nov. 2015].

2. IPPEC. (2002) Insulation. [Online] Available from:

http://www.ippec.co.uk/contEnergy2.htm [Accessed: 8th November 2015].

3. Jones, A. Z., 2015. Heat Energy. [Online]

Available at: http://physics.about.com/od/thermodynamics/f/heattransfer.htm
[Accessed 7 November 2015].

4. McMullan, R., 2000. Environmental Science in Building, Principles of Heat. Fourth

Edition ed. United States of America: Palgrave.

5. McMullan, R., 2000. Environmental Science in Building, Thermal Insulation.

Fourth Edition ed. United States of America: Palgrave.

6. McMullan, R., 2007. Environmental Science in Building, Sixth Edition ed. New
York: Palgrave.

7. Pasha, S., 2014. Transfer of Heat. [Online]

Available at: http://www.tetsuccesskey.com/2014/08/transfer-of-heat.html
[Accessed 7 November 2015].

8. Science Learing Hub, 2009. Heat energy. [Online]

Available at: http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Fire/Science-Ideas-and-
Concepts/Heat-energy
[Accessed 7 November 2015].

9. Sullivan, G. and Edmondson, C. (2008). Heat and temperature: Fig 1. Contin Educ
Anaesth Crit Care Pain, 8(3), pp.104-107.

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