Thermal conductivity is a fundamental property that measures a material’s ability to conduct heat. Engineers and scientists often need to convert between different units of thermal conductivity for various applications. In this article, we’ll demonstrate how to convert 12.87 W/m·K (Watts per meter-Kelvin) to cal(th)/s·cm·°C (calories per second-centimeter-degree Celsius)—a common conversion in thermodynamics and heat transfer analysis.
Understanding the Units
Before performing the conversion, let’s clarify the units involved:
- W/m·K (Watts per meter-Kelvin): The SI unit for thermal conductivity, representing heat flow in watts through a 1-meter thickness of material with a 1-Kelvin temperature difference.
- cal(th)/s·cm·°C (calorie per second-centimeter-degree Celsius): A non-SI unit where heat flow is measured in thermochemical calories (cal(th)) through a 1-centimeter thickness with a 1-degree Celsius temperature difference.
Conversion Formula
To convert from W/m·K to cal(th)/s·cm·°C, we use the following relationship:1 1
Thus, the conversion is:
Step-by-Step Conversion of 12.87 W/m·K
Let’s apply the formula to convert 12.87 W/m·K:12.87 12.87
Verification:
To ensure accuracy, let’s reverse the conversion:0.03076 0.03076
The calculation checks out, confirming the correctness of our conversion.
Practical Applications
Understanding thermal conductivity conversions is essential in:
- Material Science: Comparing insulation properties across different unit systems.
- Engineering: Designing heat exchangers, thermal barriers, and electronic cooling systems.
- Research & Academia: Standardizing experimental data for global publications.
Conclusion
Converting 12.87 W/m·K to cal(th)/s·cm·°C yields 0.03076 cal(th)/s·cm·°C. This conversion is crucial for professionals working across different measurement systems. By mastering these calculations, engineers and scientists can ensure consistency in thermal analysis and material selection.
Key Takeaways:
- Conversion Factor: 1 W/m·K = 0.00239006 cal(th)/s·cm·°C
- Result: 12.87 W/m·K = 0.03076 cal(th)/s·cm·°C
- Applications: Essential for material science, engineering, and research.
For quick conversions, use an online thermal conductivity calculator or reference engineering handbooks.