7–11 Jul 2025
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
Registration open until 20 May 2025

INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES ON THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY: AN INQUIRY-BASED APPROACH

Not scheduled
1h
Solomon Mahlangu House (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg)

Solomon Mahlangu House

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Oral Presentation Track E - Physics for Development, Education and Outreach Physics for Development, Education and Outreach

Speaker

Dr Halalisani Mngomezulu (University of Johannesburg)

Description

This study investigates the effect of material properties, specifically wood, plastic, and steel, on thermal conductivity through an inquiry-based approach. Thermal conductivity is a key factor influencing heat transfer in various applications, from construction to manufacturing. The research explores how the intrinsic properties of these materials, including density, structure, and composition, affect their ability to conduct heat. By focusing on common materials like wood, plastic, and steel, the study provides a comparative analysis of their thermal performance. Experimental and theoretical methods were employed to examine the heat transfer characteristics of each material under different conditions. The results reveal that steel, with its high density and metal structure, exhibits the highest thermal conductivity, while wood, being a natural insulator with a porous structure, shows the lowest thermal conductivity. Plastics exhibit intermediate thermal conductivity values depending on their type and molecular structure. The findings emphasize the significant role of material composition and structure in determining heat transfer efficiency, offering valuable insights for selecting materials in energy-efficient designs. This inquiry-based approach deepens the understanding of thermal conductivity in diverse materials and encourages further exploration into how these properties can be optimized for various industrial applications.

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Primary author

Dr Halalisani Mngomezulu (University of Johannesburg)

Co-author

Prof. Sam Ramaila (University of Johannesburg)

Presentation materials

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