Thermal Conductivity in the context of aircraft design refers to a material’s ability to conduct heat. It measures how well a material can transfer thermal energy (heat) through its substance. Thermal conductivity is a critical property to consider when selecting materials for various aircraft components, as it impacts how heat is dissipated or retained.
The formula for thermal conductivity and its SI unit are as follows:Thermal Conductivity Formula: The formula for thermal conductivity (k) is used to calculate the rate of heat transfer through a material and is expressed as:
- k: Thermal Conductivity, measured in watts per meter per Kelvin (W/(m·K)).
- Q: Heat Transfer Rate, measured in watts (W).L: Thickness of the material through which heat is transferred, measured in meters (m).
- A: Cross-Sectional Area of the material perpendicular to the heat flow, measured in square meters (m²).
- ΔT: Temperature Difference across the material, measured in kelvin (K) or degrees Celsius (°C).