Category: Transient Plane Source
Author(s): S. A. Al-Ajlan
Keywords: density, energy conservation, measurement, R-value, Specific Heat, Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, thermal insulation, TPS, Transient Plane Source, Transient plane source (TPS) method, transmission of heat, transmission of heat (R-value)
Abstract: This article delves into the depths of the transient plane source (TPS) method for measuring thermal conductivity. When dealing with insulative materials, thermal conductivity is one of the most important thermal properties, as it directly reflects the R-value – amount of heat-transfer resistance the insulation provides. This quick and accurate method was employed in this study to measure the thermal conductivity of insulation materials at room temperature, as well as other elevated temperatures that would be demonstrated once installed. Insulation found in both walls and ceilings were tested. The main difference between the two types of insulation is that ceiling insulation tends to be more dense than that used in the walls. The testing concluded that as temperature increases, thermal conductivity increases and as density increases, thermal conductivity decreases.
Reference: Applied Thermal Engineering 26, 17-18 (2006) 2184-2191
DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2006.04.006