Static thermal conductivity methods for solid materials

Various experimental arrangements for the determination of steady-state thermal conductivities, as adopted for different situations, are reviewed. The case where the sample geometry and dimensions are imposed is treated distinctly from that where they may be chosen by the experimenter. In the latter case, it is shown that the set-up adopted may vary significantly according to the magnitude of the conductivity, the temperature range investigated, the geometry, and the dimensions of the samples available. Some devices which were recently developed in the author's laboratory are taken as illustrative examples and briefly discussed.