What Is This Tool?
This unit converter transforms values measured in calorie (th)/hour/square centimeter to calorie (IT)/hour/square centimeter, both representing heat flux density but based on slightly different calorie definitions.
How to Use This Tool?
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Enter the value you want to convert in calorie (th)/hour/square centimeter.
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Select the source unit as calorie (th)/hour/square centimeter and the target unit as calorie (IT)/hour/square centimeter.
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Click convert to see the equivalent heat flux density in calorie (IT)/hour/square centimeter.
Key Features
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Converts between two similar calorie-based heat flux density units.
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Supports measurements commonly found in older engineering literature and laboratory testing.
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Browser-based and easy to use for quick unit translation.
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Helps compare or integrate thermal data from different calorie definitions.
Examples
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5 calorie (th)/hour/square centimeter converts to approximately 4.9967 calorie (IT)/hour/square centimeter.
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10 calorie (th)/hour/square centimeter converts to about 9.9933 calorie (IT)/hour/square centimeter.
Common Use Cases
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Translating solar irradiance data reported in older standards for small surfaces.
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Performing laboratory calorimetry and heat flux measurements on materials or coatings.
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Calibrating equipment or specifying heat exposure in thermal or fire-testing protocols using calorie-based units.
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Reporting small-scale surface heat loss or gain in insulation or thermal conductivity tests.
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Comparing localized heat loads on textiles or components in engineering standards employing calorie units.
Tips & Best Practices
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Use this converter to maintain consistency when working with legacy data or standards.
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Be cautious of slight differences in calorie definitions that may affect precision.
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Consider using SI units like W/m² for broader compatibility where possible.
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Verify unit selection carefully to ensure correct conversion direction.
Limitations
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The two units are non-SI and differ slightly in their energy definitions, so the conversion is close but not exact.
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Small discrepancies may appear in calculations sensitive to precision.
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These units are less commonly used today compared to SI units, potentially limiting interoperability.
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The conversion factor does not account for physical or material variations beyond the unit definitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are there different calorie units for heat flux density?
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Different calorie units exist because of varying definitions of the calorie, such as thermochemical calorie and International Table calorie, which affect the exact energy content represented in heat flux density.
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When should I convert between calorie (th) and calorie (IT)?
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Conversion is useful when comparing or integrating data from engineering literature, laboratory tests, or calibration procedures that use different calorie definitions for heat flux density.
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Are calorie-based units still commonly used?
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Calorie-based units are less commonly used than SI units, but they remain relevant in certain historical contexts, older standards, and specialized testing environments.
Key Terminology
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Calorie (th)/hour/square centimeter
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A unit of heat flux density based on the thermochemical calorie, representing the heat transfer rate per hour across a square centimeter.
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Calorie (IT)/hour/square centimeter
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A unit measuring heat flux density using the International Table calorie, indicating the heat delivered per hour through one square centimeter.
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Heat Flux Density
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The rate of heat transfer per unit area, commonly expressed in units such as calories per hour per square centimeter or watts per square meter.