Dynamic methods for investigating thermophysical properties of matter at very high temperatures and pressures

Abstract

Considerable advances have been made in the measurement of thermophysical properties at extreme temperatures. Traditional static methods have been hampered by chemical interaction of specimens with containers, loss of mechanical strength, etc. Fast dynamic methods have been developed to avoid these difficulties. The present state of development is reviewed. The scope of the review is restricted to self-heating methods and does not include the laser heating techniques such as those used to determine vapour pressure. The systems considered are divided into millisecond and microsecond resolution categories. The slower systems are used primarily in the solid range and are the most mature. The faster systems were developed for measurements in the liquid range where radiation heat losses must be minimised and measurements must be made quickly enough to avoid collapse of the specimen due to gravity. Theoretical equation of state modelling of the measurements and pseudopotential resistivity and thermal expansion calculations are also discussed and a summary of the collected data is given.