What does thermal conductivity measure?

Thermal conductivity measures the rate at which heat transfers through a material due to a temperature difference. It quantifies how efficiently heat can move from a hot area to a cooler one, which is critical in assessing materials in fire scenarios. When a material has a high thermal conductivity, it allows heat to travel rapidly, increasing the propagation of fire or heat through structures or objects.

Understanding thermal conductivity is fundamental for fire investigators as it helps them determine how quickly a fire might spread through various materials in the fire scene, such as walls, furniture, and insulation. This property aids in analyzing fire dynamics and understanding how heat affects different materials during a fire investigation.