On the thermal conductivity of some metal wires

Abstract

The methods of investigating thermal conduction in metals and allots in which the steady state is employed fall into two groups (1) thermal, (2) electrical. In a previous paper use was made of the thermal method of which a brief critical account was given in that paper. In the present investigation the electrical method has been used. All the variants of this method employ a thin uniform cylinder headed by passing a steady electrical current through it, both ends of the cylinder being kept at the one constant temperature, that of the surrounding medium. The electrical method has several advantages:— ( a ) It is available for use with metals obtainable only in the form of a wire.