Thermal Conductivity Calculator
Calculate thermal conductivity, heat flux, temperature difference, or distance using Fourier's law of heat conduction
Calculate Thermal Properties
Select the quantity you want to find using Fourier's law: q = λ(ΔT/Δx)
Heat Flux Results
Unit Conversions
Calculation Details (Fourier's Law)
Physics Analysis
Example Calculation
Brick Wall Heat Transfer
Problem: Heat flux through 35 cm brick wall
Given:
• Thermal conductivity (λ) = 0.8 W/(m·K)
• Temperature difference (ΔT) = 20 K
• Wall thickness (Δx) = 0.35 m
Solution
q = λ × (ΔT / Δx)
q = 0.8 × (20 / 0.35)
q = 45.71 W/m²
Heat flux through the wall
Fourier's Law
Thermal Conductivity Values
Heat Transfer Tips
Higher conductivity = better heat conductor
Metals have highest thermal conductivity
Insulators have low conductivity values
Heat flows from hot to cold regions
Thicker materials reduce heat flux
Understanding Thermal Conductivity
What is Thermal Conductivity?
Thermal conductivity (λ) is a material property that measures how well a material conducts heat. It represents the amount of heat that flows through a unit area of material per unit time when there's a unit temperature gradient across the material.
Fourier's Law of Heat Conduction
- •Heat flux is proportional to temperature gradient
- •Direction of heat flow is opposite to temperature gradient
- •Higher conductivity means faster heat transfer
- •Heat transfer rate depends on area and thickness
Material Categories
Excellent Conductors
Metals like silver (429), copper (401), and aluminum (237) W/(m·K). Used in heat sinks and thermal management.
Moderate Conductors
Materials like concrete (1.7) and glass (1.05) W/(m·K). Common building materials with moderate thermal properties.
Thermal Insulators
Wood (0.17), foam (0.025), and air (0.024) W/(m·K). Used for thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
Note: Thermal conductivity can vary with temperature, pressure, and material composition. Values shown are typical at room temperature.
Engineering Applications
Heat Exchangers
Heat transfer rate design
Building Insulation
Thermal resistance calculation
Electronics Cooling
Junction temperature rise
Real-World Applications
Building Design
Calculate heat loss through walls, windows, and roofs. Design thermal insulation systems for energy efficiency and comfort.
Electronics Thermal Management
Design heat sinks, thermal interface materials, and cooling systems for electronic components and processors.
Industrial Processes
Optimize heat exchangers, thermal processing equipment, and energy recovery systems in manufacturing.