Proposed method to improve the accuracy of thermal conductivity measurements of a planetary regolith

Abstract

This paper describes a new theoretical approach for measuring thermal conductivity of a planetary regolith. The method is ideal for in situ measurement. Currently in situ measurement of thermal conductivity is widely done via the line heat source (LHS) method. The inherent problem with this method is the number and type of assumptions that are needed for the method to work. In this study we propose another method that would measure the thermal diffusivity via a spherical array method by using a temperature sensor at the core of the array. This sensor is to be used in both an active mode (to supply heat) and a passive mode (to monitor temperature). The thermal diffusivity of the material is first deduced from the temperature rise of the sensors and the heating power supplied. The thermal conductivity can then be deduced.