Unit for combined investigation of thermal and electrical conductivity of metals and alloys

The basis for the considered testing device was provided by a new method of measuring thermal conductivity. According to this method, thermal flow is created in a pair of cylindrical samples as a result of the passage of an electric current through a disk heater, which is located between the two samples. The design of the unit makes it possible to conduct tests at temperatures in the range from room temperature to 450 C. Thermocouples in electrical contact with the samples are employed for temperature and electrical measurements. Use is made of movable coolers which provide heat sinks for temperature control purposes. Control measurements of the thermal conductivity of 99.999% pure (by weight) nickel showed good reproducibility of the results.