Knudsen-effect errors with transient line-source measurement in fluids

Abstract

This paper decribes the Knudsen-effect errors of the transient line-source method used for accurate measurements of the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of fluids. The analysis demonstrates that the instrument can be used with a good accuracy (>0.5%) to lower densities than previously thought. The principal errors are illustrated by measurements on propane in the temperature range 250–300 K at densities less than 9 kg · m−3.