Need help to explain the peak of thermal conductivity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the unexpected peak in thermal conductivity observed in stainless steel 304L at 190K, calculated using Fourier's law of thermal conduction. Experimental data indicates that the thermal conductivity exceeds the expected maximum of 16 W/m·K at 300K, suggesting below-standard impurity levels in the sample. The peak at 190K, confirmed through nine separate measurements, raises questions about the underlying causes, particularly regarding potential phase changes in gases present during the experiment. Participants suggest reevaluating the numerical integration algorithm used for data analysis as a possible source of error.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier's law of thermal conduction
  • Familiarity with thermal conductivity measurements
  • Knowledge of phase change phenomena in materials
  • Experience with numerical integration algorithms
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the effects of impurities on thermal conductivity in stainless steel 304L
  • Research phase change temperatures of gases at low temperatures
  • Learn about advanced numerical integration techniques for differential equations
  • Examine the relationship between temperature and thermal conductivity in various materials
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, thermal engineers, and researchers studying thermal properties of metals at low temperatures will benefit from this discussion.

sunmaggot
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This is the experimental data of thermal conductivity of stainless steel 304L at low temperature. The data is calculated with the Fourier's law of thermal conduction. I checked many times in the excel file and I confirmed that there is no mistake in the calculation. The parameters are also correct. What I see in here is that the sample used has much higher thermal conductivity than it should be. I compared with different reference and they all show that at 300K, the K should not exceed 16. So I concluded that this sample has below standard impurities level.

Problem
However, there is a strange peak at around 190K. That data is not one data. I did around 9 data at that point and it shows that the K is really higher than the nearby data point. Then I need to explain this peak. I tried to relate this with the thermal conductivity of the chemical composition. However, the position of the peak is at 190K. The change in thermal conductivity for different material should not be vigorous at this temperature. How can I possibly explain such phenomenon?
 

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I'm sorry you're not getting answers. I don't know of any such peaks.
 
I don't understand why you are so sure it is not a problem of the algorithm you used to integrate numerically the diff. equation. I'm not an expert, but 190K is a very low temperature... I don't see how any properties (thermal conductivity, heat capacity, viscousness...) should behave like that. I would try to change the algorithm.

If it is real though, there must be a very cool explanation! Hope you'll come up with something!
 
Is 190K near a phase change temperature of any gasses in the experimental environment?
 

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