How to Determine the Diffusion Coefficient for Carbon in Nickel at 600°C?

To calculate the value of q_d = D(T_c) for carbon in nickel at 600°C using the diffusion coefficients provided at two different temperatures, we apply the Arrhenius-type equation.

The coefficients given are:

  • At 600°C, D = 5.5 × 10-14 m2/s
  • At 700°C, D = 3.9 × 10-13 m2/s

From the Arrhenius equation:

D = D₀ * e(-Q_d / RT)

Where:

  • D₀ = pre-exponential factor
  • Q_d = activation energy for diffusion
  • R = universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K)
  • T = temperature in Kelvin (K)

First, we need to convert the temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin:

  • 600°C = 600 + 273.15 = 873.15 K
  • 700°C = 700 + 273.15 = 973.15 K

Next, we can set up the equation for both temperatures to find the activation energy, Q_d. Taking the natural logarithm (ln) of both equations:

ln(D1) = ln(D₀) – (Q_d / R) (1/T1)

ln(D2) = ln(D₀) – (Q_d / R) (1/T2)

Subtracting the two equations will give:

ln(D2) – ln(D1) = – (Q_d / R) (1/T2 – 1/T1)

Plugging in the values:

  • D1 = 5.5 × 10-14 m2/s at T1 = 873.15 K
  • D2 = 3.9 × 10-13 m2/s at T2 = 973.15 K

Calculating the natural logs:

  • ln(D1) = ln(5.5 × 10-14) ≈ -27.06
  • ln(D2) = ln(3.9 × 10-13) ≈ -25.18

Now substitute into the equation:

-25.18 – (-27.06) = – (Q_d / 8.314) (1/973.15 – 1/873.15)

1.88 = – (Q_d / 8.314) (-0.001032)

Q_d = 1.88 * 8.314 / 0.001032 ≈ 14,294 J/mol

Now, using Q_d, we can find D at any temperature. Since we already have the value of D at 600°C:

D = 5.5 × 10-14 m2/s is used as the significant value we were determining.

Thus, the diffusion coefficient for carbon in nickel at 600°C is 5.5 × 10-14 m2/s.

More Related Questions