Termiikka

Termiikka is the branch of physics and engineering that studies heat and thermal energy, including how heat flows between bodies, how materials respond to temperature changes, and the laws that govern energy exchange. It overlaps with thermodynamics and heat transfer and provides the framework for understanding energy systems, material behavior, and thermal processes.

Core concepts in termiikka include the relationship between heat, temperature, and internal energy; the laws of thermodynamics; calorimetry; and the properties that describe how matter conducts, stores, and radiates heat. Important thermophysical properties are specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and emissivity. The study distinguishes between state quantities and process quantities, and it encompasses phase transitions such as melting and boiling.

Heat transfer mechanisms are central to termiikka: conduction, convection, and radiation. Analyses may focus on steady-state or transient behavior, and on the design of devices such as heat exchangers, insulations, and thermal insulation systems. Methodologically, termiikka uses analytical expressions, experimental measurements, and numerical simulations, including computational methods and finite element analysis for complex geometries.

Applications of termiikka span energy generation and use, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), industrial and chemical engineering processes, electronics cooling, metallurgy, and materials science. Measurement techniques such as calorimetry, infrared thermography, and various temperature sensors are employed to quantify thermal responses and to validate models.

Historically, termiikka draws on the development of thermodynamics and heat transfer theory in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Finnish, termiikka refers to this field of study and is taught as part of physics and engineering curricula worldwide.