Created By : Abhinandan Kumar

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 25, 2023


The thermal diffusivity calculator will help you estimate the rate of heat transmission between two points for various substances. Provide the input parameters and click on the calculate button that gives you 

Substances
Engine Specifications
Thermal conductivity (k)
Density (ρ)
Specific heat (Cp)
Result
Thermal diffusivity (α)
per second


What is Thermal Diffusivity?

Thermal diffusivity is determined by the thermal conductivity divided by the density and specific heat capacity of a material. This test measures how fast a material transfers heat from its hot end to its cold end.

Thermal Diffusivity Formula

Thermal Diffusivity = Thermal Conductivity/(Density*Specific Heat Capacity)

α = k/(ρ*c)

Where,

α = Thermal Diffusivity

k = Thermal Conductivity

ρ = Density

c = Specific Heat Capacity

Temperature gradients of one degree per unit distance determine the thermal conductivity of a material, expressed as the amount of heat that flows per unit time via a unit area. The density of a material indicates how dense that material is in a specific region. Specific Heat Capacity refers to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a given substance's unit mass by a certain amount. Mass per volume of an object is measured by Mass per Unit Volume.

How do I calculate Thermal Diffusivity?

To utilise the thermal diffusivity formula, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Enter the material's thermal conductivity k.

Step 2: Enter the material's density ρ.

Step 3: Enter the specific heat capacity of the material c.

The material's thermal diffusivity will be returned by the calculator.

What Factors have an Impact on Thermal Diffusivity?

Thermodynamic diffusivity is governed by:

  • The material's density, 
  • Specific heat capacity, 
  • Thermal conductivity.

Pick any calculator in our physiccalculatopro.com and use them to save your time. 

When the thermal conductivity of a material increases, the thermal diffusivity increases, and when the density or specific heat of the material increases, the thermal diffusivity decreases.

FAQs on Thermal Diffusivity Calculator

1. What does it mean to have a low thermal diffusivity?

When compared to materials with a high thermal diffusivity, low thermal diffusivity restricts heat penetration into the part, necessitating a different manufacturing technique.

2. What is the unit of thermal diffusivity?

In SI unit thermal diffusivity is measured in m^2/s. When the pressure is kept constant, the thermal diffusivity of a material is calculated by dividing its thermal conductivity by the product of its density and specific heat capacity.

3. What factors affect thermal diffusivity?

Thermal diffusivity is determined by the material's thermal conductivity, density, and specific heat capacity, according to its definition. Thermal diffusivity and density are inversely proportional.