Thermal Resistance Testing Services
Thermal Resistance Testing Services
Thermal resistance is the property of a material by which it resists the flow of heat through it. It is calculated as the ratio of the difference in temperature between two sides of the specimen to the rate of heat flow per unit area. Thermal resistance is the inverse of thermal conductivity.
Thermal resistance testing services are mainly employed for but are not limited to insulation materials. The test calculates the R-value of a specimen. The R-value quantifies single layered specimens but can also be used for other layered structures.
The ASTM C518 test method is used to determine the steady-state thermal transmission properties of a specimen by employing a Heat Flow Meter (HFM). This meter can measure thermal conductivity from -10oC to 60oC.
Other methods include using the Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) which has a single sided sensor to measure thermal conductivity. This method is employed for high temperature applications.
Common Uses of Thermal Resistance Testing
- Inspect the quality of insulators
- Failure analysis of materials
- Determining the thermal conductivity of soil
Industrial Application of Thermal Resistance Testing
- Electrical equipment manufacturers
- Automotive
