1. What is Heat Transfer by Conduction?

Heat transfer by conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through a material without any motion of the material itself. It occurs when there is a temperature difference across a material.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conduction equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heat transferred (Joules)
• \( k \) — Thermal conductivity (W/m·K)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (Kelvin)
• \( t \) — Time (seconds)
• \( L \) — Length/thickness (meters)

Explanation: The equation shows that heat transfer increases with greater conductivity, area, temperature difference, and time, but decreases with greater thickness.

3. Importance of Heat Transfer Calculation

Details: Calculating heat transfer is essential for designing thermal systems, insulation materials, electronic cooling systems, and understanding energy efficiency in buildings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Ensure temperature difference is in Kelvin (same as Celsius for differences), and all values are positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between conduction, convection and radiation?
A: Conduction is through solids, convection through fluids, and radiation through electromagnetic waves without a medium.

Q2: What are typical thermal conductivity values?
A: Copper: ~400 W/m·K, Steel: ~50 W/m·K, Wood: ~0.1 W/m·K, Air: ~0.024 W/m·K.

Q3: Can this equation be used for composite materials?
A: For composite materials, you need to calculate equivalent thermal resistance (like electrical resistors in series/parallel).

Q4: How does thickness affect heat transfer?
A: Heat transfer rate is inversely proportional to thickness - doubling thickness halves the heat transfer (for same ΔT).

Q5: What's the difference between heat transfer and heat transfer rate?
A: This equation gives total heat transferred (Q in Joules). Heat transfer rate would be Q/t (in Watts).