The Lattice Component of the Thermal Conductivity of Metals and Alloys

Abstract

Makinson's (1938) theory of the lattice component of the thermal conductivity of metals and alloys, when limited at low temperatures by interaction with the conduction electrons, is re-examined, and the magnitude of the lattice conductivity is related to the electronic thermal conductivity at low temperatures, thus avoiding uncertainties in the theory at high temperatures. The result depends on whether transverse lattice waves can interact with the electrons.