The thermal conductivities of certain approximately pure metals and alloys at high temperatures

Measurements have been made by several observers on the thermal conductivities of metals and alloys up to high temperatures. Heat losses to the surroundings become large at high temperatures, hence the guard tube method, which to a great extent eliminates these losses, has been popular for work at these temperatures. This method was described and used by Berget in 1888, and later by Wilkes. These observers measured the rate of heat flow by a calorimetric method, which is not suitable for work at high temperatures. Honda and Simidu, using an internal heating coil, determined the heat flow from the energy input and were able to obtain results for nickel and steel to over 800°C. More recently, Schofield, using the guard tube method with an internal heating coil, has obtained results up to a maximum temperature of 700°C. with five metals. The present work was undertaken with a view to continuing the work of Professor C. H. Lees on the effect of temperatures between —160°C. and 15°C. on the thermal conductivities of nine metals and six alloys.