Determination of sample size for step-wise transient thermal tests

The step-wise transient method is a dynamic thermal testing method with the advantages of high speed and multi-parameter measurement. However, one area causing a potential error in the measurement is the limitation of finite sample size, leading to test results inconsistent with the theoretical predictions. A detailed analysis of the problem has been conducted in this paper through a numerical method along with experimental verification. The results show that this size effect involves several factors, each playing a different role. The sample size can be optimized based on our analysis so as to improve the measurements.