Anharmonic model for the thermal conductivity of liquids

Abstract

On the vibrational model of thermal conductivity energy is transferred down the temperature gradient by a vibrational transfer mechanism. Using the Lennard-Jones and Devonshire lattice model of the liquid, vibrational frequencies are calculated which take into account terms up to the fourth power of the displacement. Use of these anharmonic frequencies and the corresponding specific heat gives better agreement between calculated and experimental thermal conductivities than was obtained previously on the harmonic oscillator model.