SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1966
STP46032S

Thermophysical Properties of Metals at Cryogenic Temperatures

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This paper is concerned with the specific heat and thermal conductivity of metals at cryogenic temperatures. A review of previous studies is complemented by the author's experience. Two internal energy forces affect specific heat—lattice interactions and electronic interactions. Since the lattice specific heat is related to T3, it is very small at very low temperatures. The total conductivity of a metal is the sum of the electron thermal conductivity and the lattice thermal conductivity. Two factors that reduce electronic thermal conductivity are scattering of conduction electrons by thermal vibrations in the lattice, and scattering of electrons by defects and impurities present in the lattice. It is not yet possible to accurately predict thermal conductivity from fundamentals, but it is possible to make adequate predictions from thermal properties or electrical resistance of similar materials.

Author Information

Powell, Robert, L.
Institute for Materials Research, National Bureau of Standards, Boulder, Colo.
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Developed by Committee: D27
Pages: 134–148
DOI: 10.1520/STP46032S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6752-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6618-9