What is "k-value"

n. thermal conductivity; the time of rate of heat flow through a unit area of a homogeneous material in a direction perpendicular to isothermal planes induced by a unit temperature gradient. In English (inch-pound) units of measurement; it is the number of BTUs that pass through a 1 inch thickness of a square foot sample of material in 1 hour with a temperature difference between the two surfaces of 1 degree F.

K-value or k value may refer to:

• Thermal conductivity
• The force constant of a spring, see Hooke's law
• Vapor–liquid equilibrium, the ratio of vapor concentration to liquid concentration at equilibrium
• The relative permittivity, κ
• a statistical value used in the Elo rating system
• analysis provides a methodology for studying different factors that affect the size of a biological population.
• K value (viscosity), is an empirical parameter closely related to intrinsic viscosity, often defined in slightly different ways in different industries to express viscosity based estimate of statistical molecular mass of polymeric material used particularly for PVC. The most commonly used K value in Europe is the Fikentscher K value (referenced in DIN EN ISO 1628-1) obtained by dilute solution viscometry and solving Fikentscher equation.
• K or Linear-Elastic Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness of Metals ASTM E 399
• rate of change of curvature, used to assess and design vertical alignment of road and rail crests and dips