Acoustical method for determining thermal diffusivity and relative difference in molar heat capacities of tantalum and vanadium

Abstract

An acoustical technique is proposed for determining the thermal diffusivity in solids and the relative difference between the molar heat capacities at constant pressure and at constant volume. The method, which consists essentially of measuring the damping of freely vibrating bars, allows determination of the thermal diffusivity with an accuracy better than ±5% and has the advantage of not requiring a heat source. It also largely eliminates the complications of precise temperature measurements and insulation of specimen holders. Results are given for tantalum and vanadium over the temperature range 60–300 K.