Performance Testing · Thermal Analysis

Thermal Conductivity and Diffusivity Testing (TC/LFA/TPS)

Thermal conductivity and diffusivity testing with LFA, TPS or an agreed heat-flow method, matched to specimen geometry, direction and temperature.

  • LFA thermal diffusivity
  • TPS thermal transport
  • Agreed steady-state heat flow
  • LFA thermal diffusivity
Configure & Book Check Sample Requirements
Representative Thermal Conductivity and Diffusivity Testing equipment selected for the TESTDOG service catalogue
Price
from£62
per sample, excl. VATA £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.
Turnaround
8–12 working days
Preparation and scope dependent
Available platforms
HOT DISK 2500s
Typical outputs
Agreed conductivity or diffusivity valuesTemperature and measurement directionGeometry and contact-condition recordDensity, heat-capacity and model basis

Why this service

What TC/LFA/TPS can help you understand

Thermal transport testing assesses heat conduction. LFA measures diffusivity; calculating conductivity requires density and specific heat capacity. TPS and heat-flow routes have different specimen and contact requirements.

01

LFA thermal diffusivity

LFA thermal diffusivity

02

TPS thermal transport

TPS thermal transport

03

Agreed steady-state heat flow

Agreed steady-state heat flow

Choose the scope

Start from the question, not the tool

The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.

LFA thermal diffusivity

LFA thermal diffusivity

Best used when
LFA thermal diffusivity
Typical result
Agreed conductivity or diffusivity values
Preparation note
Conductivity and diffusivity are different properties; conductivity equals diffusivity multiplied by density and specific heat capacity.

Common outputs

A result package matched to the decision you need to make

Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.

StandardAgreed conductivity or diffusivity values

Agreed conductivity or diffusivity values reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.

StandardTemperature and measurement direction

Temperature and measurement direction supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.

OptionalGeometry and contact-condition record

Geometry and contact-condition record provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.

OptionalDensity, heat-capacity and model basis

Density, heat-capacity and model basis included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.

Example results

What TC/LFA/TPS results can look like

TC/LFA/TPS result: The plot shows mechanical and thermal insulation properties Compressive stress–strain curves, Compressive modulus, Thermal conductivity
Stress–strain response

The plot shows mechanical and thermal insulation properties Compressive stress–strain curves, Compressive modulus, Thermal conductivity.

Yifan Zhan et al. · source · CC BY
TC/LFA/TPS result: The image shows fabrication and structural characterization of the CMA. Schematic illustration of the fabrication of the CMA via
Element distribution map

The image shows fabrication and structural characterization of the CMA. Schematic illustration of the fabrication of the CMA via.

Research source · source · CC BY

Sample requirements

What to provide before work begins

Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.

Suitable sampleSubmission requirementPlanning note
Solid specimensState material, dimensions, thickness and measurement direction.Conductivity and diffusivity are different properties; conductivity equals diffusivity multiplied by density and specific heat capacity.
Sheets and coated specimens subject to geometry reviewSpecify temperatures, atmosphere, expected property range and contact or coating constraints.Anisotropy, interfaces, porosity and contact resistance affect method selection and interpretation.
Solid specimensFor conductivity calculated from diffusivity, identify density and specific heat-capacity data or request separate measurement review.This scope does not include glass-transition, melting or decomposition analysis.

Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.

Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.

Questions and answers

Common planning decisions

Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.

Can LFA alone provide conductivity?

LFA measures diffusivity. Conductivity calculation also needs density and specific heat capacity at the relevant temperature; supplied or measured inputs must be agreed.

Are in-plane and through-thickness results interchangeable?

No. Specify direction and geometry. Anisotropy and layered structures can require different fixtures, models or specimen preparation.

Configure the service

Send the information needed to scope TC/LFA/TPS correctly

  • Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
  • Feature or decision the result must address
  • Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
  • Preferred output and reporting depth
TC/LFA/TPS analysisfrom£62

A £45 service fee applies to orders under £300, excluding VAT.

Typical turnaround: 8–12 working days

Configure & Book