K-factor

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Telecommunications

In telecommunication, the term k-factor has the following meanings:

1. In tropospheric radio propagation, the ratio of the effective Earth radius to the actual Earth radius.

Note: The k-factor is approximately 4/3.

2. In ionospheric radio propagation, a correction factor that (a) is applied in calculations related to curved layers, and (b) is a function of distance and the real height of ionospheric reflection.

Source: From Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188

Sheet metal engineering

In Sheet metal engineering, the term k-factor has the following meaning:

During bending the inner surface of the bend is subjected to compression while the outer surface is subjected to tension. However there is layer in between which is free from any forces and thus its length remains the same. This is called the neutral axis ( N.A ). The radius of this layer of metal is called the neutral bend arc radius ( NBAR )and is defined as the inside bend radius plus a percentage( K-factor ) of the metal thickness.

NBAR = BR + (T * K-factor)

The K-Factor ( K ) depends on the material, the type of bending operation (coining, air-bending), the ratio of the Bend Radius to the metal thickness ( R/T ) and is typically between 0.3 to 0.5. For most types of steels it is around 0.33 to 0.4

In US GAAP accounting of insurance entities, the term K-factor refers to the ratio of deferrable expenses to the Estimated Gross Profits. It is an importance measure used to manage the deferrals allowed in GAAP accounting.