Thermal contact

Thermal contact

In thermodynamics, a thermodynamic system is said to be in thermal contact with another system if it can exchange energy with it through the process of heat. Perfect thermal isolation is an idealization as real systems are always in thermal contact with their environment to some extent. Thermal contact does not imply direct physical contact.

When two solid bodies are in contact, a resistance to heat transfer exists between the bodies. The study of heat conduction between such bodies is called thermal contact conductance (Or thermal contact resistance).

See also

*Thermodynamics
*Thermal equilibrium


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Thermal contact conductance — In physics, thermal contact conductance is the study of heat conduction between solid bodies in thermal contact. The thermal contact conductance coefficient, hc, is a property indicating the thermal conductivity, or ability to conduct heat,… …   Wikipedia

  • thermal contact — noun A state in which two or more systems can exchange thermal energy …   Wiktionary

  • Thermal transmittance — Thermal transmittance, also known as U value, is the rate of transfer of heat (in watts) through one square metre of a structure divided by the difference in temperature across the structure. It is expressed in watts per square metre per kelvin,… …   Wikipedia

  • Thermal management of electronic devices and systems — Heat generated by electronic devices and circuitry must be dissipated to improve reliability and prevent premature failure. Techniques for heat dissipation can include heatsinks and fans for air cooling, and other forms of computer cooling such… …   Wikipedia

  • Thermal conduction — In heat transfer, conduction (or heat conduction) is a mode of transfer of energy within and between bodies of matter, due to a temperature gradient. Conduction means collisional and diffusive transfer of kinetic energy of particles of ponderable …   Wikipedia

  • Thermal management of high power LED — With the coming of energy saving era, high power light emitting diodes (LEDs) are promising to replace other technologies such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs in signaling, solid state lighting, and vehicle headlight applications due to… …   Wikipedia

  • Thermal conductivity — In physics, thermal conductivity, k, is the property of a material that indicates its ability to conduct heat. It appears primarily in Fourier s Law for heat conduction.First, we define heat conduction by the formula::: H=frac{Delta Q}{Delta t}=k …   Wikipedia

  • Contact mechanics — Continuum mechanics …   Wikipedia

  • Thermal bath (thermodynamics) — In thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, a thermal bath is a reservoir of particles at finite temperature that is in thermal contact and is undergoing Brownian motion. Because of its nonzero temperature, this system contains thermal energy …   Wikipedia

  • Thermal mass — Thermal mass, in the most general sense, is any material that has the capacity to store heat. The following discussion pertains to its functional application in ecologically sustainable building construction. When used correctly, it can… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”