Discussion of “Thermal conductivity of porous building materials: An exploration of new challenges in fractal modelling solutions”

Abstract

In November 2023 this journal published “Thermal conductivity of porous building ma­terials: An exploration of new challenges in fractal modelling solutions”. That paper gauges four fractal building materials’ thermal conductivity models, concluding that fractal-geometry-based approa­ches appear “a promising method” as they “demonstra­te high reliability in repro­ducing experimental data”. This discussion of the pa­per aims to shine a different light on the potential of fractal thermal conductivity models. It shows that good agreement with experimental data usually ori­ginates from calibration of various “physical” factors comprised in these models, with the fitted numbers commonly deviating from physical rea­lity. Moreover, exemplary instances reveal that good agreement with experimental data is obtained des­pite misinterpretation of measured outcomes or critical defects in model development, or, exceptio­nally, due to fabrication of validation information. This discussion does hence not share the pa­per’s positive opinion on the prospects of fractal-geometry-ba­sed ther­­mal conductivity models, and advises caution instead.