Discussion of “Thermal conductivity of porous building materials: An exploration of new challenges in fractal modelling solutions”
Year: 2024
Type: editorial
Abstract: In November 2023 this journal published “Thermal conductivity of porous building materials: An exploration of new challenges in fractal modelling solutions”. That paper gauges four fractal building materials’ thermal conductivity models, concluding that fractal-geometry-based approaches appear “a promising method” as they “demonstrate high reliability in reproducing experimental data”. This discussion of the paper aims to shine a different light on the potential of fractal thermal conductivity models. It shows that good agreement with experimental data usually originates from calibration of various “physical” factors comprised in these models, with the fitted numbers commonly deviating from physical reality. Moreover, exemplary instances reveal that good agreement with experimental data is obtained despite misinterpretation of measured outcomes or critical defects in model development, or, exceptionally, due to fabrication of validation information. This discussion does hence not share the paper’s positive opinion on the prospects of fractal-geometry-based thermal conductivity models, and advises caution instead.
Source: RILEM Technical Letters
Author: Hans Janssen
Institution: KU Leuven
Language: English
Subfield: Computational Mechanics
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4404123702