Simulation of heat flow from a line source in support of development of a thermal probe

The use of a thermal probe allows a range of in-situ conditions to be taken into account that impact upon the properties of building materials (λ, α) as encountered in reality. In this study, the transient thermal simulation of a model representing a line source in an infinite material sample has been used to guide the development of an experimental thermal probe apparatus. Simulation produced a series of datasets that have been used to test the data analysis routines used with the experimental probe. Findings show that by careful application of these routines close agreement (errors of less than 1 percent) with input values can be achieved. This validates the analysis routines and provides a deeper appreciation of the behaviour a theoretical  line source model. The model provides valuable insights into the level of error and uncertainty in insitu measurements.