Non rectification of heat in graded Si-Ge alloys

TL;DR

This study explores the potential of graded Si-Ge alloys to function as thermal diodes but finds that, under the considered conditions, such a device is impractical, though it suggests directions for future research.

Contribution

It introduces a formula for thermal conductivity in graded Si-Ge alloys and demonstrates the impracticality of creating a thermal diode with the studied configuration.

Findings

Thermal diode functionality not achievable with the considered graded Si-Ge alloys.

Analytical and numerical results support the impracticality of the proposed design.

The study paves the way for future modifications and applications.

Abstract

We investigate the possibility to obtain a thermal diode with functionally graded Si-Ge alloys. A wire with variable section is considered. After the introduction of a formula giving the thermal conductivity of the wire as a function of the species content and of the diameter of the wire, numerical and analytical results are presented supporting the impracticability to get a thermal diode with the characteristics here considered. However, the present study opens the way to further generalisations amenable to give applicative promising results.