Science
Heat conduction through a slab
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
Calculators / Science / Two-layer thermal resistance
Two-layer thermal resistance calculator
Estimate steady conductive heat flow through two flat layers in series.
On this page
Total thermal resistance0.15K/W
Heat transfer rate137.93W
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Estimate steady conductive heat flow through two flat layers in series.
Total thermal resistance =
L1/(k1*A)+L2/(k2*A) K/WHeat transfer rate =
dT/(L1/(k1*A)+L2/(k2*A)) WWorked example
- Wall area (m²): 10
- First layer thickness (m): 0.1
- First thermal conductivity (W/m·K): 0.5
- Second layer thickness (m): 0.05
- Second thermal conductivity (W/m·K): 0.04
- Temperature difference (K): 20
- Total thermal resistance: 0.15 K/W
- Heat transfer rate: 137.93 W
Assumptions and limits
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. Excludes contact resistance, convection, radiation, thermal bridges and transient heat storage.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Estimate steady conductive heat flow through two flat layers in series. Layer resistance depends on thickness, conductivity and common wall area. A negative temperature difference reverses heat flow.
When this tool is useful
Layer resistance depends on thickness, conductivity and common wall area. A negative temperature difference reverses heat flow.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Wall area (m²) A | 10 |
First layer thickness (m) L1 | 0.1 |
First thermal conductivity (W/m·K) k1 | 0.5 |
Second layer thickness (m) L2 | 0.05 |
Second thermal conductivity (W/m·K) k2 | 0.04 |
Temperature difference (K) dT | 20 |
Frequently asked questions
Which assumptions matter for this result?
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. Excludes contact resistance, convection, radiation, thermal bridges and transient heat storage.
How can I check the worked example?
Use the displayed example inputs in the stated formula. Keep each quantity in its labelled unit and compare the unrounded result before applying display rounding.