A theory for the square guarded hot plate—a solution of the heat conduction equation for a two layer system

Abstract

A theoretical treatment is given for the action of the guarded hot plate apparatus used for measuring conductivities. The flow of heat through the metal hot plate itself, and the effects of temperature unbalance between hot plate and guard plate are both taken into account. The temperature at any point in the sample or in the heater plate may be determined. The theory is comprehensive and any of the dimensions or controlling parameters may be varied in the calculation.