milkyspit
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'd like to understand some of the numbers behind thermal transfer a little better than my present "that epoxy is better" sort of mentality. I don't really expect to fill my head with what I should have studied for several years in college, but if I got to the point of being able to calculate some numbers, such as Arctic Silver epoxy theoretically resulting in an emitter running 3 degrees cooler than it would with Arctic Alumina epoxy (or whatever), I'd feel MUCH better off than I am now.
I see published specs for thermal characteristics of thermal compounds, heatsinks, and the like, but don't know what to do with them. I know some things I've seen are specified in terms of Watts per degree, but what do I do with that? Watts of heat? Is that at all equivalent to watts of electricity flowing through the component, or an entirely different animal? How can these specs be used in an intelligent manner?
I've danced around these things long enough. It's time to learn what it all REALLY means. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
I see published specs for thermal characteristics of thermal compounds, heatsinks, and the like, but don't know what to do with them. I know some things I've seen are specified in terms of Watts per degree, but what do I do with that? Watts of heat? Is that at all equivalent to watts of electricity flowing through the component, or an entirely different animal? How can these specs be used in an intelligent manner?
I've danced around these things long enough. It's time to learn what it all REALLY means. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif