The finite-$T$ Lorentz number and the thermal conductivity. Aluminum and carbon conductivities from ambient to millions of degrees Kelvin

Abstract

Theoretical prediction of the thermal conductivity $\kappa$ of metal-like electron-ion systems would be greatly simplified if a convenient generalization of the Lorentz number $L_N$ for arbitrary temperatures ($T$) and densities were available. Such calculations are needed in astrophysics, high-energy-density physics, semiconductor physics as well as in materials science. We present a finite-$T$ form of $L_N(T)$, expressed in terms of elementary Fermi integrals. It is a universal function of $t=T/E_F$, where $E_F$ is the Fermi energy of the electrons. A convenient four-parameter fit to $L_N(t)$ for $t=0-\infty$ further simplifies the applications. The effect of electron-electron interactions is also briefly discussed. Calculations for $L_N(t)$ and thermal conductivities $\kappa$ for Al and C are presented at several compressions and into the million-Kelvin range. Experimental isobaric conductivities for Al just above the meting point, and isochoric conductivities for Al and C from available density-functional theory simulations and average-atom calculations are used as comparisons.