MS&E #19 Thermal Properties

7 flashcards · Physics · by Kristóf Nagy

1. Thermal conductivity

   The measure of a material's ability to conduct heat. It is denoted by (k) and has units of power divided by distance times temperature (e.g., W/(m*K)).

2. Heat capacity

   The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius or Kelvin.

3. Linear coefficient of thermal expansion

   The fractional change in length of a material per degree Celsius or Kelvin change in temperature. It is denoted by (eta) and has units of inverse temperature (e.g., 1/°C).

4. Phonon

   A collective excitation in a periodic, elastic arrangement of particles, specifically a quantum of lattice vibrational energy.

5. Specific heat

   The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one mole of a substance by one degree Celsius or Kelvin.

6. Thermal stress

   The internal stress generated in a material subjected to a thermal gradient. This stress arises from differences in thermal expansion among different parts of the material.

7. Thermal shock

   The sudden exposure of a material to a steep thermal gradient, leading to potentially catastrophic damage such as cracking or shattering.