Fourier’s Law Jx =

dQ
=− κ
dT
dt dx
∆T ∆T
Q′ = A κ = Jx ≡
1 dQx
L (L / κ A) A dt

Q′ = rate of heat flow or the heat current, A = cross-sectional area, κ

= thermal conductivity (material-dependent constant of
proportionality), ∆T = temperature difference between ends of
component, L = length of component

Ohm’s Law
∆V ∆V
I= =
R (L / σ A)
I = electric current, ∆V = voltage difference across the conductor, R =
resistance, L = length, σ = conductivity, A = cross-sectional area
 Fourier’s Law
∆T ∆T
Q′ = A κ =
L (L / κ A) = θ

Q′ = rate of heat flow or the heat current, A = cross-sectional area, κ

= thermal conductivity (material-dependent constant of
proportionality), ∆T = temperature difference between ends of
component, L = length of component

Ohm’s Law
∆V ∆V
I= =
R (L / σ A) =R
I = electric current, ∆V = voltage difference across the conductor, R =
resistance, L = length, σ = conductivity, A = cross-sectional area
 Definition of Thermal Resistance

∆T
Q′ =
θ
Q′ = rate of heat flow, ∆T = temperature difference, θ = thermal
resistance

Thermal Resistance
L
θ=
Aκ
θ = thermal resistance, L = length, A = cross-sectional area, κ =
thermal conductivity
 Analogy between thermal and electrical phenomena

THERMAL PHENOMENA ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA

Q = rate of heat flow I = Current
∆T = temperature difference ∆V = bias (voltage)
Θ = thermal resistance R = resistance
Heat reservoir ∆T Q′ = ∆T/θ Force)
EMF (Electromotive
Absolute
Hot zero Cold
Ground ∆T
∆T Heat generator
Q′ Q′
Current supply
Q′ ∆V
Q′ = I=
θ A R
θ
L
(a) (b)

Fig. 2.23: Conduction of heat through a component in (a) can be

modeled as a thermal resistance θ shown in (b) where Q′ = ∆T/θ.
From Principles of Electronic Materials and Devices, Second Edition, S.O. Kasap (© McGraw-Hill, 2002)
http://Materials.Usask.Ca
Analogy between thermal and electrical phenomena
THERMAL PHENOMENA ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA
Q = rate of heat flow I = Current
∆T = temperature difference ∆V = bias (voltage)
Θ = thermal resistance R = resistance
Heat reservoir EMF (Electromotive Force)
Absolute zero Ground
Heat generator Current supply

Essential Heat Transfer for Electrical Engineers (© S.O. Kasap, 2003: v.2.02) An e-Booklet
Analogy between thermal and electrical phenomena
THERMAL PHENOMENA ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA
Q = rate of heat flow I = Current
∆T = temperature difference ∆V = bias (voltage)
Θ = thermal resistance R = resistance
Heat reservoir EMF (Electromotive Force)
Absolute zero Ground
Heat generator Current supply

Ti T0 Q’=(Ti-T0)/Θ

IR2

Essential Heat Transfer for Electrical Engineers (© S.O. Kasap, 2003: v.2.02) An e-Booklet
 Analogy between thermal and electrical phenomena
THERMAL PHENOMENA ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA
Q = rate of heat flow I = Current
∆T = temperature difference ∆V = bias (voltage)
Θ = thermal resistance R = resistance
Heat reservoir EMF (Electromotive Force)
Absolute zero Ground
Heat generator Current supply
C = thermal capacitance C = capacitance

δQ = C δT δQ = C δV

δT δV
Q′ = C I =C
δt δt
 Analogy between thermal and electrical phenomena
and equivalent circuit of transistor

THERMAL PHENOMENA ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA

Q = rate of heat flow I = Current
∆T = temperature difference ∆V = bias (voltage)
Θ = thermal resistance R = resistance
C = thermal capacitance C = capacitance
Heat reservoir EMF (Electromotive Force)
Absolute zero Ground
Heat generator Current supply

Essential Heat Transfer for Electrical Engineers (© S.O. Kasap, 2003: v.2.02) An e-Booklet