What Is This Tool?
This converter transforms heat flux density values from watt per square inch (W/in^2), an imperial-based unit measuring power per square inch, into erg per hour per square millimeter, a CGS-derived metric unit used in specialized laboratory and scientific applications.
How to Use This Tool?
-
Enter the heat flux density value in watts per square inch.
-
Select the conversion to erg per hour per square millimeter.
-
Submit the value to view the equivalent in erg/hour/mm² based on the precise conversion factor.
Key Features
-
Converts heat flux density units from W/in² to erg/hour/mm² quickly
-
Supports conversion between imperial-area based and CGS-derived metric units
-
Ideal for applications needing cross-system unit translation in thermal engineering and scientific research
Examples
-
2 W/in² converts to 111600223.29 erg/hour/mm²
-
0.5 W/in² converts to 27900055.82 erg/hour/mm²
Common Use Cases
-
Measuring power density of focused heat sources like lasers on small surfaces
-
Thermal testing and design of electronics and semiconductor components
-
Reporting thin-film or coating heat transfer experiments in laboratory settings using CGS units
-
Comparing legacy or astrophysical radiative flux data expressed in ergs per hour per square millimeter
Tips & Best Practices
-
Carefully manage unit differences between imperial and CGS systems to avoid confusion
-
Use precise values to minimize rounding errors due to the large conversion factor
-
Confirm unit consistency when interpreting results, especially in small-scale heat flux analyses
Limitations
-
Unit system differences can cause confusion without careful handling
-
Large conversion factor requires attention to numerical precision
-
Erg/hour/square millimeter is uncommon in modern SI-based work, potentially reducing direct applicability
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What does watt per square inch measure?
-
Watt per square inch measures heat flux density as power transferred or emitted per unit area of one square inch, primarily in imperial units.
-
When would I use erg per hour per square millimeter?
-
Erg per hour per square millimeter is used in laboratory and scientific contexts, especially when dealing with small-area heat transfer using CGS energy units.
-
Why is the conversion factor so large?
-
The conversion involves changing from imperial to CGS units and adjusting the energy, time, and area scales, which results in a large numerical factor.
Key Terminology
-
Watt per square inch [W/in²]
-
A heat flux density unit measuring power per unit area of one square inch using imperial units.
-
Erg/hour/square millimeter
-
A CGS-based heat flux density unit defining energy transferred in ergs per hour per square millimeter.
-
Heat Flux Density
-
The amount of power or energy transmitted per unit area, significant in thermal analysis and material testing.