Measurement of Thermal Conductivity with Mercury Contacts

A method of measuring thermal conductivity that is suitable for use with small specimens near room temperature was developed. The method was used to study radiation effects in ceramic materials, where space limitations and radioactivity precluded the use of large specimens. The specimen is placed between mercury contacts; the upper block is heated electrically, the lower block is held near room temperature, and the thermal conductivity is calculated from the electrical power required to produce a given temperature difference between the blocks. The resistance of the apparatus in series with the specimen is determined by comparing results for specimens of different thickness. (P.C.H.1