Abstract
AbstractA new simple method for in situ measurement of thermal conductivity of porous materials was developed. A heated or cooled Al or glass probe was placed in soil, and its temperature was monitored over time. Thermal conductivity was determined using a finite element method to solve the radial heat flow equation for the temperature of the heated or cooled probe. The probe temperature, as a function of time, was modeled, and model thermal conductivity was adjusted until predicted probe temperatures agreed with measured values. Conductivities for sand, silt loam, and forest litter were measured over a range of water contents. Values obtained using a glass probe were not significantly different from those obtained using an Al probe. Conductivities were in good agreement with those obtained using a water bath method or computed from the deVries equation. There were significant differences between values obtained with heated and cooled probes in sand at intermediate water content.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call