Thermal properties testing apparatus and methods

Abstract

Various embodiments of methods for testing properties of a product comprise: (1) heating a sample of the product via an ignition source and determining a temperature differential across the sample; or (2) exposing a sample of the product to a flame and determining thermal transfer resistivity of the sample; or (3) supporting a sample of the product over an ignition source, heating the sample via the ignition source, and determining a temperature differential across the sample. The tested properties of the product may consist of: open flame resistivity, thermal transfer resistivity, or both.

1 . A method for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprising: 
 heating a sample of the product via an ignition source; and    determining a temperature differential across the sample.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein determining the temperature differential across the sample comprises: 
 taking a first temperature measurement approximately at the ignition source;    taking a second temperature measurement approximately at a surface of the sample furthest from the ignition source; and    calculating the difference between the first and second temperature measurements.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising loading the sample into a testing apparatus.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein loading the sample into the testing apparatus comprises placing the sample onto a support plate that extends over the ignition source.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein loading the sample into the testing apparatus further comprises lowering a holding plate over the sample.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein loading the sample into the testing apparatus further comprises adjusting a displacement between the support plate and the holding plate.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein loading the sample into the testing apparatus further comprises leveling the holding plate with respect to the support plate.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising weighing the sample before and after heating to determine the quantity of sample that burned away during testing.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the properties consist of: open flame resistivity, thermal transfer resistivity, or both.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the sample is heated for a predetermined test period.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the temperature differential across the sample is determined a plurality of times on a specified time interval during the predetermined test period.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising determining a temperature differential across each layer of the sample.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein heating the sample of the product via the ignition source comprises: 
 flowing a gas to the ignition source;    lighting the ignition source; and    regulating the flow of gas to the ignition source.    
     
     
         14 . A method for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprising: 
 exposing a sample of the product to a flame; and    determining thermal transfer resistivity of the sample.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein determining thermal transfer resistivity of the sample comprises: 
 measuring a first temperature approximately at a first surface of the sample closest to the flame;    measuring a second temperature approximately at a second surface of the sample furthest from the flame; and    calculating the difference between the first and second temperature measurements.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising determining thermal transfer resistivity across each layer of the sample.  
     
     
         17 . A method for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprising: 
 supporting a sample of the product over an ignition source;    heating the sample via the ignition source; and    determining a temperature differential across the sample.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein determining the temperature differential across the sample comprises: 
 taking a first temperature measurement approximately at the ignition source;    taking a second temperature measurement approximately at a surface of the sample furthest from the ignition source; and    calculating the difference between the first and second temperature measurements.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising weighing the sample before and after heating to determine the quantity of sample that burned away during testing.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the properties consist of: open flame resistivity, thermal transfer resistivity, or both.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising determining a temperature differential across each layer of the sample.