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What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

(OP)
I am designing a part that needs good heat transfer capabilities (heat fins) and am comparing a few potential materials. Which property is it that tells me how good its heat transfer capability is? Thermal conductivity? Specific heat capacity? Does a higher number mean better heat transfer?

RE: What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

If you are looking at a steady-state situation thermal conductivity will be most important to you.

If you are looking at transients the specific heat capacity will also be important.

 

RE: What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

(OP)
I have an LED emitting a fairly constant amount of heat so sounds like thermal conductivity is the winner.  Thanks for your help.

RE: What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

(OP)
I was looking at an Al alloy, but yes you're right.  The straight Al turned out to be better.

RE: What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

Copper, better than aluminum by factor of 2.
 

RE: What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

Ultimately, the heatsink is limited by the heat transfer coefficient of the air itself, so there's a point of diminishing returns on the choice of heatsink material;  otherwise, one might just as easily propose using diamond as a heatsink material.  But, it would be a wasted effort, since the improvement in overall heat transfer is very limited.

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RE: What material property is used to measure heat transfer capacity?

Specific heat, thermal conductivity, emissivity, geometry, mechanical properties, manufacturing practices, ..., it is difficult to design heat transfer devices without some knowledge of heat transfer and the material mechanical properties required for manufacturing, assembly and useful life.    

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