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Thermal Conductivity

I need to compare the thermal conductivities of Al Alloy 6061 T6, HY-100 Carbon Steel and Air for a temperature range of 200-800 degrees F. Can anyone help out?

Mike Jiavaras
Dept of the Navy - Lakehurst, NJ
2006

I have to comment. This sounds like an opportunity to hire a consultant! (you are part of the government) :-)

Gene Packman
process supplier - Great Neck, New York
2006

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2006

Aluminum has the highest thermal conductivity coefficient, next Carbon Steel, last but not least - air.

The ratios are approximately in the range of:
Al vs Carbon Steel - 10:1
Carbon Steel vs. air - 1000:1
Al vs. air - 10000:1

If you are looking for high thermal conductivity, copper is very good, gold, aluminum and silver are also attractive.

If you need low thermal conductivity there are many excellent choices such as glass bound ceramic, macor, alumina, sapphire, quartz, etc. Glass bound ceramic has one of the lowest TCR's but the maximum temperature is somewhat limited. I hope this helps, good luck!

Blake Kneedler
Feather Hollow Eng. - Stockton, California