Authors: Olukayode D. Akinyemi; Yemi S. Onifade; Biodun S. Badmus; O.S. Awokola
Open access e-Journal Earth Science India, vol.5 (II), pp.38-50
Abstract
Thermal properties are usually the key parameters governing the heat transfer through any material. Hence in modeling the thermal behavior of materials, accurate determination of thermal properties is quite imperative.
This paper deals with the determination of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and volumetric heat capacity of rocks by block method with thermal contact resistance consideration and the validation of the results with that of KD2 device. Thermal properties of granite, limestone and gneiss rocks were determined in the laboratory with the use of thermal interface material (TIM) Arctic Silver to find out the effect of contact resistance. KD2 probe was also used with and without TIM to compare thermal conductivities results. Thermal conductivity of granite, limestone and gneiss increased from 2.96 to 3.96 W/mK, 2.02 to 2.68 W/mK, and 1.64 to 2.20 W/mK respectively while Thermal diffusivity increased from 0.41 x 10-4to 0.67 x 10-4 m2/s, 1.09 x 10-4 to 7.38 x 10-4 m2/s, and 0.65 x 10-4 to 1.44 x 10-4 m2/s respectively. Thermal conductivities with and without TIM were tested statistically using (FPLSD) and it was found that using TIM to correct contact resistance was significant at (P > 0.05).
Keywords: Rocks, Thermal Properties, Block Method, Thermal Interface Material, Thermal Contact Resistance.