Apparatus for measuring thermal conductivity of metals up to 600 C

Abstract

Apparatus for measuring the thermal conductivity of metals up to 600 C is described. The method employed consists in comparing the conductivity of a metal, either directly or indirectly, with that of lead. Lead was seelected as the standard since previous measurements have established its conductivity within fairly close limits. Determinations are made by measuring the axial temperature gradients in two cylindrical bars soldered together end to end, one end of the system being heated and the other cooled, and the convex surfaces protected from heat loss by a surrounding guard tube. Data are given on the conductivity of commercial nickel, high purity zinc, high purity nicekl, and several commercial nickel-chromium and other alloys widely used for heating elements and thermocouples.