Thermal conductivity - basis of a potential method for determining in situ snow density

TitleThermal conductivity - basis of a potential method for determining in situ snow density
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1974
AuthorsFowler, W. B.
Conference Name42nd Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 42nd Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1974
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationAnchorage, Alaska
KeywordsSnow - density - measurement
Abstract

An instrument for rapid determination of thermal conductivity of liquids and solids is described. From the known relationship between thermal conductivity and snow density, measurements can be calibrated in terms of snow density. With a small, 4-mm-diameter probe of coaxial design and differential temperature measurements, rapid, single value reasings are made in a few seconds. These readings compare favorably with the customary thermal conductivity analysis in which a time-temperature relationship developed over many minutes is normally required. Equipment is small, lightweight. and portable.A calibration of the density probe in liquids and snow (density range of 0.06 to 0.4) is shown.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1974Fowler.pdf