engineering

Lumped Capacitance Calculator

Calculate transient temperature response and time constant with Biot number validity check

Lumped Capacitance Calculator

Calculate transient temperature response using the lumped capacitance method (Bi < 0.1).

Formulas

Bi = h·L_c / k   (must be < 0.1)
τ = ρ·c·L_c / h   (time constant)
T(t) = T_∞ + (T_i − T_∞) · e^(−t/τ)
L_c = V/A_s (sphere: r/3, cylinder: r/2, plane wall: L/2)

Sphere: r/3 | Cylinder: r/2 | Plane wall: L/2

Bi = h·L_c/k = 0.0333 ✓ Lumped method valid (Bi < 0.1)

Results

Time Constant τ

780.00 s

= 13.00 min

Temperature at t = 60.0 s

279.64 °C

(T−T_∞)/(T_i−T_∞)

0.925961

Common Material Properties

Steel: ρ=7800, c=500, k=50Aluminum: ρ=2700, c=900, k=205Copper: ρ=8900, c=385, k=385Glass: ρ=2500, c=840, k=1.4

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter your input values

Fill in all required input fields for the Lumped Capacitance Calculator. Most fields include unit selectors so you can work in your preferred unit system.

2

Review your inputs

Double-check that all values are correct and that you have selected the right units for each field. Incorrect units are the most common source of calculation errors.

3

Read the results

The Lumped Capacitance Calculator instantly computes the output and displays results with units. All calculations happen in your browser — no loading time and no data sent to a server.

Formula Reference

Lumped Capacitance Calculator Formula

See calculator inputs for the governing equation

Variables: All variables and their units are labeled in the calculator interface above.

When to Use This Calculator

  • Use the Lumped Capacitance Calculator when solving homework or exam problems that require quick numerical verification of your hand calculations.
  • Use it during the design phase to rapidly iterate on parameters before running detailed finite element simulations.
  • Use it when reviewing a colleague's calculation or checking a vendor's data sheet for plausibility.
  • Use it to generate reference data for a technical report or presentation without manual computation.

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