Fourier Conduction (Plane Wall) Calculator mechanism

Model scope

The core formula is standard and correct under the stated steady-state 1D plane-wall idealization. The specification needs an explicit heat-flux formula, SI-unit requirements or documented unit conversion, a ΔT sign convention, and input constraints before release.

• The heat-rate formula q = k·A·ΔT/L is correct for steady, one-dimensional conduction through a plane wall with constant thermal conductivity and no internal heat generation.
• The advertised heat-flux output has no explicit formula; it should be q'' = q/A = k·ΔT/L.
• The sign convention for ΔT is unspecified. For signed heat rate, define ΔT = T_hot − T_cold; otherwise the calculator should state that it reports heat-rate magnitude.

Units and conventions

• Use SI units: k in W/(m·K), area A in m², thickness L in m, and ΔT in K or °C temperature difference; the result q is in W.
• Heat flux q'' is in W/m².
• If non-SI inputs are accepted, the calculator must explicitly convert area and thickness before applying the formula; the current specification does not state whether unit conversion is supported.
• Thermal-conductivity table entries must be in W/(m·K) or be converted to those units.

Inspectable vector

One of 4 source-bound review vectors:

{
  "inputs": {
    "k_W_per_mK": 0.6,
    "area_m2": 2.5,
    "thickness_m": 0.1,
    "delta_T_K": 20
  },
  "expected_outputs": {
    "heat_rate_q_W": 300,
    "heat_flux_W_per_m2": 120
  },
  "working": "q = k·A·ΔT/L = 0.6·2.5·20/0.1 = 30/0.1 = 300 W. q'' = q/A = 300/2.5 = 120 W/m²."
}

Failure boundary

BREAK_CLAIMED · SELF_FLAGGED

The zero-thickness input produces an undefined division-by-zero result and must be rejected. The specification also leaves the sign convention for ΔT and heat-flow direction unstated, allowing results that differ by sign.

Other records

Sources and evidence

These pointers bind the page to evidence. They do not grant authority or collapse verification into deployment.

• VERIFIED_LEDGER.json
• evidence-tranche4/tranche4-results.json
• BOUNDARY_HAZARD_CATALOG.json