soojusjuhtivusele

Soojusjuhtivusele, known more commonly in English as thermal conductivity, is a fundamental material property that quantifies its ability to conduct heat. It is a measure of how effectively thermal energy is transferred through a material when there is a temperature gradient. Materials with high thermal conductivity, such as metals, readily allow heat to flow through them, while materials with low thermal conductivity, such as insulators like foam or air, resist the flow of heat.

The unit of thermal conductivity in the International System of Units (SI) is watts per meter-kelvin (W/(m·K)). This means that for a material with a thermal conductivity of 1 W/(m·K), a temperature difference of 1 Kelvin across a 1-meter thick slab of the material would result in a heat flow of 1 watt through an area of 1 square meter.

Thermal conductivity is an important consideration in many engineering applications. In electronics, it is crucial for dissipating heat generated by components to prevent overheating. In building insulation, low thermal conductivity is desired to minimize heat loss or gain, thereby improving energy efficiency. Conversely, in heat exchangers, high thermal conductivity is beneficial for efficient heat transfer between fluids. The thermal conductivity of a substance can vary depending on its temperature, phase (solid, liquid, or gas), and composition.