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Mechanics & Structures | Thermophysical Properties | Analytical Chemistry
Non Destructive Testing & Evaluation | Metallography & Morphology
Oxidation Resistance

Thermophysical Properties

This laboratory has been active for over 30 years (prior to 1975, this laboratory was an integral part of the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio), specializing in the measurement and analysis of thermal properties in most classes of materials.  Each measurement can be directed towards research or development.  The apparatus are designed to accommodate either conventional or non-conventional test specimens.  The capabilities of the Thermophysical Properties Laboratory are as follows:

Varied Thermal Property Measurements

• Steady-state thermal conductivity
• Laser flash diffusivity/conductivity
• Specific heat
• Thermal expansion (free and restrained)
• Total emittance
• Electrical resistivity
• Gas permeability (room temperature)
• Impedance Gain Phase Analyses
• Oxidation cycling

Broad Temperature Range

• minus 195°C (-320°F) to 2760°C (5000°F)
• Air, vacuum and inert atmospheres
• Induction, resistive, and radiation heating
• Ramp and soak conditioning profiles
• Heating rates to 500°C (932°F) per second
• Bomb calorimeter (energy/BTU/content)
• Infrared thermometer, pyrometer, and thermocouple sensing

Diverse Testing Apparatus

• Thermal Conductivity:

Comparative (ASTM E1225)
Guarded hot plate (ASTM C177)
Heat flow meter (ASTM C518)
Thermal comparator

• Thermal Diffusivity:

Laser flash (ASTM C714)

• Specific Heat:

Ice mantle drop calorimeter (ASTM D2766)
Differential scanning calorimeter

• Thermal Expansion:

Recording quartz dilatometer (ASTM E228)
Twin tele-microscope optical dilatometer
Automatic comparative dilatometer

• Electrical Resistivity:

4-probe voltage drop (ASTM C611)

• Total Emittance:

Hole-in-tube
Calorimetric (ASTM E434)

• Thermal gravimetric analysis

Temperature Instrument Calibration

• NIST (NBS) traceability

These capabilities and staff expertise provide customers with a number of unique material evaluation opportunities, quick turnaround, accurate data (with reference to NIST-NBS calibrations), competitive costs, adaptability and flexibility to evaluate novel materials, and program planning geared to specific applications and schedules.