What is thermal dose defined as?

Thermal dose is defined as flux multiplied by exposure time. This concept effectively captures the cumulative effect of thermal energy exposure over a specific period. It emphasizes the importance of both the intensity of heat transfer (flux) and the duration of this heat exposure when evaluating potential thermal hazards.

Higher thermal doses can lead to more significant changes in material properties and increases the risk of thermal injuries. For instance, a high thermal flux over a short exposure time may not produce the same effects as a lower flux over an extended period, illustrating the importance of considering both dimensions in thermal hazard assessments. Understanding this relationship is crucial in fields such as safety engineering, material science, and emergency response, where managing thermal hazards is essential.