Abstract:
Two types of simple instruments for study the thermal conductivity of insulators have been developed. Experimental results obtained have an error of less than 10 % , as aimed, compared with the vacuum pump method. The first type has the heat source installed inside cubic box of material . Thermal energy is constantly transmitted to the 0 ◦C outer surface. At thermal equilibrium the temperature difference inside and outside material has been measured. For PMMA (Poly (methyl methacrylate)) the value of K obtained is 0.19 watts/m °C. This value is 4 % different from standard value .For the second type instruments the thermal energy flowed through layer of materials. The top layer is PMMA of known K value, which the upper surface is maintained at 0 °C. In thermal equilibrium, the rate of flow of thermal energy through each layer is equal, thus the value of K can be calculated. For the four materials under tested, the following values of K have been found : glass, K = 0.92 watts/m °C, error = 8 %; Bakelite, K = 0.25 watts/m°C, error = 8%; PMMA (thin), K = 0.195 watts/m°C , error = 3%; PVC K = 0.15 watts/m°C, error = 6 %. The results obtained show that both types of these instruments can be used in laboratories to study the thermal conductivity of insulators.