A transient method of measuring the thermal properties of rocks

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to describe a new, rapid transient method for the determination of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of rocks. The present transient method is based on the application of a constant heat flux to the top surface of a block of rock that is insulated on all other surfaces. Results of a sensitivity analysis of the method indicate that thermal diffusivity can be measured to a best accuracy of about 3 percent, and thermal conductivity of saturated rocks can be determined to a best accuracy of about 8 percent. The method provides estimates of thermal conductivity that are consistent with estimates made using the steady‐state divided‐bar apparatus. The method is applied to determine the thermal conductivity of a suite of rocks from western Australian sedimentary basins.