An Analysis of the Thermal Conductivity of Steam in the High Temperature and High Pressure Region : Anomaly of the Thermal Conductivity in the Critical Region

Abstract

Expressing the change of state of steam by association theory in the high temperature and high pressure region including the critical point, the coefficient of thermal conductivity of steam is calculated by using a certain simplified model and compared with J. V. Sengers' experimental data. Some approximated ideas are used about the molecular structures of water polymers and the transport mechanism of internal energy. It is found that this analysis is qualitatively useful in understanding the phenomena. The derived conclusions indicate that the anomaly of the thermal conductivity of steam comes from the sharp change of state near the critical point. This causes the increase of diffusional energy transfer of each polymer. Such an analytical method is applicable not only to steam, but also to many other pure substances.