A modified transient method for an easy and fast determination of thermal conductivities of conductors and insulators

The transient plane source (TPS) technique is a well-known technique for the measurement of thermal transport properties. It is applicable to a wide range of temperatures and materials. This paper describes in brief, the modified theory and an improved experimental arrangement for the measurements of thermal transport properties, particularly thermal conductivities. Fused quartz, low carbon steel and silver chloride crystals were studied with the new setup referred to as advantageous transient plane source (ATPS) technique. The measured values of thermal conductivity of these specimens are in excellent agreement with the values reported earlier. The advantage of this modified technique is the further simplicity of the equipment, more automation in data acquiring, better accuracy and case in calculations. Also, thermal properties data are extended down to liquid nitrogen temperature for silver chloride crystals for the first time with ATPS method.