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Theory of Lorenz Ratio of Metals and Alloys

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Thermal Conductivity 20

Abstract

The theoretical basis of the Wiedemann-Franz-Lorenz law is reviewed. The Lorenz ratio takes the Sommerfeld value Lo provided (a) the thermal conductivity is electronic (b) the electron gas is highly degenerate and (c) the effective relaxation time is the same for electrical and for thermal conduction. The conditions are discussed for high degeneracy, and for deviations from Lo at high temperatures. It is shown that the relaxation time is unique except for pure metals at low temperatures and cases when electron-electron scattering is important. Corrections for the lattice thermal conductivity are not discussed in detail.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06268, USA

    P. G. Klemens

Authors
  1. P. G. Klemens
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    D. P. H. Hasselman  & J. R. Thomas Jr.  & 

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© 1989 Purdue Research Foundation

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Klemens, P.G. (1989). Theory of Lorenz Ratio of Metals and Alloys. In: Hasselman, D.P.H., Thomas, J.R. (eds) Thermal Conductivity 20. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0761-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0761-7_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-8069-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-0761-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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