Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity, abbreviated as k, is the ability to transfer heat within a material without any motion of the material.  Depending on the material, the transfer rate will vary.  The lower the conductivity, the slower the transfer.  The higher the conductivity, the faster the transfer.

Typical thermal conductivity values for non-metallic solids can be found here.

 

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• Thermal Conductivity of an Element 

 

Thermal conductivity formula
\(\large{ k  =  \frac{Q \; l}{A \; \Delta T} }\)
Symbol	English	Metric
\(\large{ k }\) = thermal conductivity	\(\large{\frac{Btu-ft}{hr-ft^2-F}}\)	\(\large{\frac{W}{m-K}}\)
\(\large{ A }\) = area of object	\(\large{ in^2 }\)	\(\large{ mm^2 }\)
\(\large{ l }\) = length or thickness of material	\(\large{ in }\)	\(\large{ mm }\)
\(\large{ Q }\) = specific heat capacity	\(\large{\frac{Btu}{lbm-F}}\)	\(\large{\frac{kJ}{kg-K}}\)
\(\large{ \Delta T }\) = temperature differential	\(\large{ F }\)	\(\large{ K }\)