Thermal Conductivity 23

This book contains keynote lectures and 54 technical papers, presented at the 23rd International Thermal Conductivity Conference, on various topics, including techniques, coatings and films, theory, composites, fluids, metals, ceramics, and organics, related to thermal conductivity.

Fifty-one papers (and three keynote addresses) on contemporary theoretical issues and experimental techniques pertaining to the underlying factors that control heat-conduction behavior of materials. The latest findings on insulation, fluids, and low-dimensional solids and composites are reviewed as

It was seven years ago this month when I had the pleasure of writing the Foreword to the Proceedings of the Eighth Conference on Thermal Conductivity hosted by TPRC/ Purdue University in 1968. Since then this Conference has developed to the point where one can say it has just entered a new phase. At its meeting in June 1975, the Board of Governors of the International Thermal Conductivity Conferences passed a resolution which formalizes two main policies that were felt to be desirable for a number of years, A key item of the resolution was for CINDAS/Purdue University to become the permanent Sponsor of the Conferences and in this capacity assist the Conferences in all matters which will result in the effective implementation of its goals and mission. In short, CINDAS will serve as a home base for the Conferences thus providing continuity and a permanent point of contact. CINDAS/Purdue University is pleased to accept this respons ibility as it is well within its mission to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge on thermophysica! properties of matter. A second important aspect of the Conference resolution was the establishment of a policy to publish the Proceedings of future conferences on a continuing and uniform basis effective with this, the Fourteenth Conference.

The International Thermal Conductivity Conference was started in 1961 with the initiative of Mr. Charles F. Lucks and grew out of the needs of researchers in the field. The Conferences were held annually from 1961 to 1973 and have been held biennially since 1975 when our Center for Informa tion and Numerical Data Analysis and Synthesis (CINDAS) of Purdue University became the Permanent Sponsor of the Conferences. -These Conferences provide a broadly based forum for researchers actively working on the thermal con ductivity and closely related properties to convene on a regular basis to exchange their ideas and experiences and report their findings and results. The Conferences have been self-perpetuating and are an example of how a technical community with a common purpose can transcend the invisible. arti ficial barriers between disciplines and gather together in increasing num bers without the need of national publicity and continuing funding support. when they see something worthwhile going on. It is believed that this ser ies of Conferences not only will grow stronger. but will set an example for researchers in other fields on how to jointly attack their own problem areas.