Measuring thermal conductivity of a metal

AI Thread Summary
Practical methods for measuring the thermal conductivity of metals include using differential scanning calorimetry and estimating conductivity based on electrical conductivity, although the latter is influenced by various factors like temperature and metal type. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides extensive resources on measurement techniques for thermophysical properties. A portable tool akin to a multimeter for direct measurement is not readily available, as accurate measurements typically require standard sample sizes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the variables involved in thermal conductivity measurements. Overall, specific measurement methods depend on the context and requirements of the measurement.
abdulbadii
Messages
43
Reaction score
1
Poster reminded to show more effort in thread starts like this
TL;DR Summary
Viable procedure to meter the heat conductive constant of a metal
What'd be practical method and/or portable, simple tool (like sort of electricians' multimeter) to meter the heat conductive constant of a metal?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Do you know how to google ?
browse the results of a search for "measuring thermal conductivity of metals".

If nothing else, it will help you to formulate a more specific question.

##\ ##
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes russ_watters, Astronuc and Lord Jestocost
abdulbadii said:
TL;DR Summary: Viable procedure to meter the heat conductive constant of a metal

What'd be practical method and/or portable, simple tool (like sort of electricians' multimeter) to meter the heat conductive constant of a metal?
One could get an estimate of the thermal conductivity of a metal based on the electrical conductivity, however, thermal conductivity of metals has two components, one of electron conduction and the other lattice/phonon conduction, and the fractions/proportions vary with metals/elements and temperature.

The US National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST, formerly National Bureau of Standards (NBS)) has many publications on the measurement techniques and measurement results of thermophysical properties of many elements, metals and alloys, and non-metal elements and compounds.

E.g., https://srd.nist.gov/JPCRD/jpcrd7.pdf

Differential scanning calorimetry is a method.
 
abdulbadii said:
What'd be practical method and/or portable, simple tool (like sort of electricians' multimeter) to meter the heat conductive constant of a metal?
Will you be able to insert a standard test sample (standard size and volume) into the meter, or do you want to be able to walk up to a metal wall and just measure its thermal conductivity somehow? If you cannot measure a standard sample size and shape, you can see what other variables will enter in, right?
 

Thread 'Query on Isentropic relationships (such as PV^gamma = constant)'

Hi all, I have a question. So from the derivation of the Isentropic process relationship PV^gamma = constant, there is a step dW = PdV, which can only be said for quasi-equilibrium (or reversible) processes. As such I believe PV^gamma = constant (and the family of equations) should not be applicable to just adiabatic processes? Ie, it should be applicable only for adiabatic + reversible = isentropic processes? However, I've seen couple of online notes/books, and...
View full post »

Thread 'Dry sump pump issue'

I have an engine that uses a dry sump oiling system. The oil collection pan has three AN fittings to use for scavenging. Two of the fittings are approximately on the same level, the third is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher than the other two. The system ran for years with no problem using a three stage pump (one pressure and two scavenge stages). The two scavenge stages were connected at times to any two of the three AN fittings on the tank. Recently I tried an upgrade to a four stage pump...
View full post »

Similar threads

Low Heat/Thermal Conductivity Electric Conductive Materials
Replies
4
Views
3K
Rank Copper, Brass and Bronze by Thermal Conductivity
Replies
7
Views
3K
I How to measure average thermal conductivity of a metallic material?
Replies
1
Views
1K
A Electrical & thermal conductivities
Replies
6
Views
2K
Heat transfer Rate
Replies
2
Views
2K
Heat Transfer Through a Two Material System due to a Light Source
Replies
10
Views
3K
As much steam as possible from engine exhaust gas + warm water?
Replies
25
Views
4K
NASA How low is Space Shuttle thermal protection's heat conductivity?
Replies
7
Views
1K
A Carnot engine between the Earth's poles and equator
2
Replies
67
Views
6K
Heat gain (or Loss) in steady state from Metal Rod
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top