EFFECTS OF WALLS THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES ON TIME-LAG AND DECREMENT FACTOR

In this study, the effects of thermophysical properties and thickness of a wall of a building on time lag and decrement factor have been inv estigated. For this purpose, one dimensional transient heat conduction equation was solved using Crank-Nicolson scheme under convection boun dary conditions. To the outer surface of the wall; periodic boundary c onditions were applied. A very general code which can take care of com posite walls under any kind of boundary condition was developed. Singl e and combined effects of the thickness and thermophysical properties on the time lag and decrement factor were investigated. It was found t hat thermophysical properties have a very profound effect on the time lag and decrement factor. The computations were repeated for different building materials and the results are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier S cience S.A. All rights reserved.