How it works
Use steady slab heat conduction with the units stated beside the fields. This form solves for thermal conductivity; enter the known quantities in Power magnitude, Area, Temperature difference magnitude, Slab thickness.
Inputs and units
| Input | Example value | What to enter |
|---|---|---|
| Power magnitude | 45 W | Formula symbol: P. Required unit: W. Must be greater than zero. |
| Area | 2.25 m² | Formula symbol: A. Required unit: m². Must be greater than zero. |
| Temperature difference magnitude | 15 K | Formula symbol: ΔT. Required unit: K. Must be greater than zero. |
| Slab thickness | 1.5 m | Formula symbol: L. Required unit: m. Must be greater than zero. |
Worked example
Show example inputs and results
This example is generated by the same calculation engine using the starting values in the form. Your own inputs produce your own result.
- Power magnitude
- 45 W
- Area
- 2.25 m²
- Temperature difference magnitude
- 15 K
- Slab thickness
- 1.5 m
Complete example results
- Thermal conductivity
- 2 W/(m·K)
Reading the result
The result solves for thermal conductivity from the entered quantities. Check the result unit and the formula conditions before using it.
Questions and answers
Can I use the example values for my own calculation?
The example values illustrate the calculation. Replace every input with your own information, especially dates, rates and the selected operation.
When can I use the thermal conductivity result?
This model uses positive magnitudes. One-dimensional steady conduction through a uniform slab. Conductivity is constant; contact, convection and radiation resistances are not added.
Why are some results rounded?
Results display up to 8 decimal places. Calculations use the unrounded values; very small values use scientific notation. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic can introduce tiny rounding differences.
Are my inputs sent to a server?
The calculator processes inputs in your browser. Its code does not send your values to a server.
Method sources: openstax.org