ASTM C177-97
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the achievement and measurement of steady-state heat flux through flat-slab specimens using a guarded-hot-plate apparatus. The method encompasses both the single-sided and the double-sided mode of measurement. Both distributed and line source guarded heating plate designs are included, in principle, in this test method. The reader should consult the standard practices on the single-sided mode of operation and on the line source apparatus for further details on these variations of the method.
1.2 The calculations of thermal transmission properties based upon measurements using this method shall be performed in conformance with Practice C1045.
1.3 This is an absolute (or primary) method of measurement since no heat flux reference standards are required except to confirm accuracy statements and to establish traceability to recognized standards. This absolute method is contrasted with a comparative (or secondary) method, such as Test Method C518, in which the results are directly dependent on heat flux reference standards.
1.4 This test method is applicable to the measurement of a wide variety of specimens, ranging from opaque solids to porous or transparent materials, and a wide range of environmental conditions. Special precautions in the measurement process are described for the following:
1.4.1 Specimens exhibiting appreciable inhomogeneities, anisotropies, rigidity, or extremes of thermal flux density.
1.4.2 Measurements conducted at extremes of temperature (either high or low) or under vacuum conditions.
1.5 This test method is intended to allow a wide variety of apparatus designs and design accuracies to satisfy the requirements of specific measurement problems. Compliance with this test method requires a statement of the uncertainty of each reported variable in the report. Therefore, in the following sections, the significant error factors will be discussed.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: C 177 – 97
Standard Test Method for
Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal
Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate
1
Apparatus
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C177; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope guarded-hot-plate, for practical reasons the specimen conduc-
2
tance should be less than 16 W/(m K).
1.1 This test method establishes the criteria for the labora-
1.7 This test method is applicable to the measurement of a
tory measurement of the steady-state heat flux through flat,
wide variety of specimens, ranging from opaque solids to
homogeneous specimen(s) when their surfaces are in contact
porous or transparent materials, and a wide range of environ-
with solid, parallel boundaries held at constant temperatures
mental conditions including measurements conducted at ex-
using the guarded-hot-plate apparatus.
tremes of temperature and with various gases and pressures.
1.2 Thetestapparatusdesignedforthispurposeisknownas
1.8 Inhomogeneities normal to the heat flux direction, such
a guarded-hot-plate apparatus and is a primary (or absolute)
as layered structures, can be successfully evaluated using this
method. This test method is comparable, but not identical, to
testmethod.However,testingspecimenswithinhomogeneities
ISO 8302.
in the heat flux direction, such as an insulation system with
1.3 This test method sets forth the general design require-
thermal bridges, can yield results that are location specific and
ments necessary to construct and operate a satisfactory
shall not be attempted with this type of apparatus. See Test
guarded-hot-plate apparatus. It covers a wide variety of appa-
Methods C976 or C236 for guidance in testing these systems.
ratus constructions, test conditions, and operating conditions.
1.9 Calculations of thermal transmission properties based
Detailed designs conforming to this test method are not given
upon measurements using this method shall be performed in
but must be developed within the constraints of the general
conformance with Practice C1045.
requirements. Examples of analysis tools, concepts and proce-
1.10 In order to ensure the level of precision and accuracy
dures used in the design, construction, calibration and opera-
2 expected, persons applying this standard must possess a
tionofaguarded-hot-plateapparatusaregiveninRefs (1-41).
knowledge of the requirements of thermal measurements and
1.4 This test method encompasses both the single-sided and
testing practice and of the practical application of heat transfer
the double-sided modes of measurement. Both distributed and
theory relating to thermal insulation materials and systems.
line source guarded heating plate designs are permitted. The
Detailed operating procedures, including design schematics
user should consult the standard practices on the single-sided
and electrical drawings, should be available for each apparatus
mode of operation, Practice C1044, and on the line source
to ensure that tests are in accordance with this test method. In
apparatus, Practice C1043, for further details on these heater
addition, automated data collecting and handling systems
designs.
connected to the apparatus must be verified as to their
1.5 The guarded-hot-plate apparatus can be operated with
accuracy. This can be done by calibration and inputting data
either vertical or horizontal heat flow. The user is cautioned
sets, which have known results associated with them, into
however,sincethetestresultsfromthetwoorientationsmaybe
computer programs.
different if convective heat flow occurs within the specimens.
1.11 It is not practical for a test method of this type to
1.6 Although no definitive upper limit can be given for the
establish details of design and construction and the procedures
magnitude of specimen conductance that is measurable on a
to cover all contingencies that might offer difficulties to a
person without technical knowledge concerning theory of heat
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-16 on flow, temperature measurements and general testing practices.
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.30 on
The user may also find it necessary, when repairing or
Thermal Measurement.
modifying the apparatus, to become a designer or builder, or
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 1997. Published June 1997. Originally
both, on whom the demands for fundamental understanding
published as C177–42. Last previous edition C177–85 (1993).
2
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to the list of referen
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