\[q=\frac{k\Delta T}{d}\]
Variables
qconvective heat flux (W/m²)
kthermal conductivity (W/(m·K))
dTtemperature difference (K)
dlayer thickness (m)
Description
What is this formula?
This formula calculates the heat flux transferred through a layer due to thermal convection or conductive transport driven by a temperature difference.
When to use it
Use this equation when estimating geothermal heat transfer, mantle convection heat transport, or thermal energy flow through geological materials.
Example
Calculate the heat flux through a mantle layer with a thermal conductivity of 3.2 W/(m·K), a temperature difference of 1800 K, and a thickness of 2.5×10^6 m.
Data:
k = 3.2 W/(m·K)
dT = 1800 K
d = 2.5×10^6 m
Formula:
q = (k*dT)/d
Substitution:
q = (3.2*1800)/(2.5×10^6)
Result:
q = 2.30 × 10^-3 W/m²
Applications
- Mantle heat transfer studies
- Geothermal energy analysis
- Planetary thermal modeling
- Crustal heat flow estimation
- Thermal engineering