Measuring thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity values of inhomogeneous materials with a heat flow meter apparatus

- Specific heat capacity of inhomogeneous material can be measured with HFM apparatus.
- Thermal conductivity of inhomogeneous material can be measured from small specimens.
- The most suitable measurement method for thermal conductivity measurements of small specimens is to use both the rubber sheets and thermocouples.

The aim of this study was to observe the suitability of the heat flow meter apparatus for thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity tests of concrete, as well as to determine specific heat capacity values for 14 different plasters. In total, two concrete types, five floor screed plasters, two fixing plasters, six wall screed plasters, and one specialized plaster that had small EPS spheres added into it were tested.The main novelty value of this research is studying how well heat flow meter apparatus can determine specific heat capacities of inhomogeneous materials. Also, how precisely thermal conductivity could be measured from small concrete specimens of interest. The results measured with the most suitable methods were in line with published values, which indicate that the apparatus was suitable for both tests.