Heat Transfer question

[benzylic]

yes this is one of my homework problems.
If I have a heating element with a thermal conductivity of [ k= 12 W/(m*K) ], and a thermal diffusitvity of [a=0.300*10^-5 (m^2)/sec ] that is 1cm wide and 10cm thick. And an electrical power is dissipated uniformly throughout the heating element at a rate of 10^7 W/m^3. I need to find the maximum temperature in the heating element if the surface temp is 200 Celsius.

so P=10^7 W/m^3 T1= 200 Celsius L=1cm

I wanted to use T2-T1=(P*L^2)/(8*k) but that doesnt take into account the thermal diffusivity, maybe i dont need it. Any pointers?

 

[edcarman]

Thermal diffusivity incorporates specific heat, density and thermal conductivity. Specific heat and density are required only for transient solutions. For a steady state solution, only conductivity is required.

 

[benzylic]

So I was on the right track. Thanks for the help!