A method of measuring the thermal conductivity of liquids

Abstract

We described the development of an apparatus for the determination of the thermal conductivity of liquids. The apparatus is suitable for all kinds of liquids, including the strongest acids. From a given time we pass an electric current through a thin straight wire, placed in a homogeneous material of which the thermal conductivity is to be measured.

The constant heat production in the wire causes a cylindrical temperature field in the material. The rise of temperature depends on the thermal properties of the material. The apparatus used is sketched in figure 1.

The drawback of the old methods, viz the convection current of the liquid is evaded, because the time in which the measurement is done, is so short that the density differences can not develop a disturbing convection current within this time. The results of the measurements are given in table II.

For water we found the same dependence of the thermal conductivity on temperature as F. Schmidt and W. Sellschopp (see figure 9).