Course Content
Thermal conductivity
This is a summary of the unit.
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Introduction
03:34
What is thermal conductivity?
03:10
Applications of thermal properties
06:21
Transient methods for measuring thermal properties
05:39
Methods and standards for thermal properties measurements
05:27
Additional reading
Thermal Conductivity
 

Exploring thermal properties measurements

Thermal sensors developed by METER Group are used around the world to monitor both above- and below-ground environments. These instruments have supported research and development in numerous fields, including:

  • Medical research – Thermal properties influence the function and treatment of human organs and tissues. Accurate measurements are essential for understanding heat transfer in biological systems.
  • Nanofluids – The addition of nanoparticles alters the thermal behavior of fluids. METER’s instruments have been employed to quantify these changes and assess fluid performance.
  • Insulation materials – Determining the heat transfer characteristics of insulation—including unconventional materials like mattresses—is critical for evaluating their suitability in specific applications.
  • Buried power cables – As electrical infrastructure increasingly moves underground, understanding the thermal properties of surrounding soils and fill materials is necessary to predict buried cable heating and ensure safe operation.

    Read more about buried power cable thermal measurements used in the SuedLink project

  • Food processing – Heat transfer plays a vital role in cooking and sterilizing food. While small-scale cooking may rely on trial and error, industrial processes require precise thermal measurements to ensure consistency and safety.
  • Oils and coolants – The effectiveness of oils and coolants depends on their ability to store and transfer heat. Measuring thermal properties enables accurate performance predictions in various mechanical systems.
  • Thermal greases and heat sink compounds – In electronics and other high-performance equipment, thermal greases and heat sink compounds must be evaluated to prevent overheating. Comparative measurements help identify the most effective materials.

 

A notable case study: Mars exploration

One of the most remarkable applications of METER’s thermal sensors occurred during NASA’s Phoenix Scout mission to Mars. In 2003 the Jet Propulsion Laboratory commissioned METER to develop a thermal property sensor for extraterrestrial use. Read more about buried power cable thermal measurements used in the SuedLink project

An illustration of NASA’s Phoenix Scout lander with sun panels deployed.
An illustration of NASA’s Phoenix Scout lander with sun panels deployed.
A photograph of the TECP sensor on a leg of the Phoenix Scout lander while on Martian regolith.
A photograph of the TECP sensor on a leg of the Phoenix Scout lander while on Martian regolith.

The resulting instrument, the Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP), was mounted on the lander’s scoop and consisted of four needle-like sensors. These probes were inserted into the Martian regolith to measure thermal and electrical properties. The data collected enabled researchers to infer critical characteristics of the Martian surface, including:

  • Liquid water content
  • Ice content
  • Pore size distribution

This project exemplifies the adaptability and precision of thermal property sensors in extreme and novel environments.

The Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP) allowed NASA’s scientists to measure thermal and electrical properties within Martian regolith.
The Thermal and Electrical Conductivity Probe (TECP) allowed NASA’s scientists to measure thermal and electrical properties within Martian regolith.

Thermal property measurement is a cornerstone of materials science and engineering, with applications ranging from biomedical research to planetary exploration. METER Group’s instruments have demonstrated their utility across a broad spectrum of disciplines, offering researchers the tools needed to quantify heat transfer, storage, and conductivity in diverse materials. As technology and scientific inquiry continue to evolve, the role of accurate thermal measurements will remain essential in advancing knowledge and innovation.

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