Conduction and Diffusion: Two Sides of Heat Transfer?

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SUMMARY

Conduction and diffusion are distinct processes in heat transfer. Conduction occurs through direct physical contact between bodies, while diffusion refers to the spreading of heat across a volume via conduction, convection, or radiation. Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are separate physical properties, with thermal diffusivity defined as the ratio of thermal conductivity to the product of density and specific heat capacity. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate analysis of heat transfer mechanisms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity
  • Basic knowledge of heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation
  • Familiarity with physical properties of materials
  • Concept of specific heat capacity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical definitions and applications of thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity
  • Explore the mechanisms of heat transfer in detail, focusing on conduction
  • Study the role of specific heat capacity in heat transfer processes
  • Investigate the relationship between conduction and diffusion in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and materials science who are studying heat transfer principles and their applications in real-world scenarios.

Dhananjay Singh
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In context of heat transfer, are conduction and diffusion same process?
 
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Are you asking about the physical properties Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity?
 
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Chestermiller said:
Are you asking about the physical properties Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity?
No, I know thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are different physical properties. Thermal diffusivity is the ratio of thermal conductivity of material to the product of its density & specific heat capacity. I want to know about the difference in the process (at microscopic level) and definition of Conduction & Diffusion.
 
Dhananjay Singh said:
In context of heat transfer, are conduction and diffusion same process?
Diffusion of heat usually means spreading of heat to a wider volume either through any or all of heat transfer mechanisms i.e conduction, convection or radiation.

Conduction is one of the three mechanisms of heat transfer that happens through static physical contact between two or more bodies.
 
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thank you for the most reasonable answer. :smile:
 

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