1. What is Fourier's Law of Conduction?

Fourier's Law describes the rate of heat transfer through a material by conduction. It states that the heat transfer rate is proportional to the temperature gradient and the cross-sectional area, and inversely proportional to the material thickness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Fourier's Law equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heat transfer rate (W)
• \( k \) — Thermal conductivity (W/mK)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (K)
• \( L \) — Material thickness (m)

Explanation: The equation calculates the rate of heat energy transfer through a material due to temperature difference across its thickness.

3. Importance of Heat Transfer Calculation

Details: Accurate heat transfer calculation is crucial for designing thermal insulation systems, heat exchangers, electronic cooling systems, and building energy efficiency analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter thermal conductivity in W/mK, area in m², temperature difference in Kelvin, and thickness in meters. All values must be positive and non-zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is thermal conductivity?
A: Thermal conductivity (k) is a material property that indicates its ability to conduct heat. Higher values mean better heat conduction.

Q2: Can I use Celsius instead of Kelvin for ΔT?
A: Yes, since temperature difference is the same in both Celsius and Kelvin scales (ΔT in °C = ΔT in K).

Q3: What are typical thermal conductivity values?
A: Copper: ~400 W/mK, Steel: ~50 W/mK, Glass: ~1 W/mK, Wood: ~0.1 W/mK, Air: ~0.026 W/mK.

Q4: When is Fourier's Law applicable?
A: For steady-state, one-dimensional heat conduction through homogeneous materials with constant thermal conductivity.

Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: Does not account for convection, radiation, transient effects, or multi-dimensional heat flow.