Non-Fourier heat conduction study for steady states in metallic nanofilms

Abstract

As a fundamental theory of heat transfer, Fourier's law is valid for most traditional conditions. Research interest in non-Fourier heat conditions is mainly focused on heat wave phenomena in non-steady states. Recently, the thermomass theory posited that, for steady states, non-Fourier heat conduction behavior could also be observed under ultra-high heat flux conditions at low ambient temperatures. Significantly, this is due to thermomass inertia. We report on heat conduction in metallic nanofilms from large currents at low temperatures; heat fluxes of more than 1×1010 W m-2 were used. The measured average temperature of the nanofilm is larger than that based on Fourier's law, with temperature differences increasing as heat flux increased and ambient temperature decreased. Experimental results for different film samples at different ambient temperatures reveal that non-Fourier behavior exists in metallic nanofilms in agreement with predictions from thermomass theory. © 2012 The Author(s).