Towards standard reference values for the thermal conductivity of high-temperature melts

The paper describes the progress made in the development of an instrument for the measurement of the thermal conductivity of molten materials at high temperatures. The instrument is designed to provide experimental data of unique accuracy at temperatures up to 1500 K on a wide range of materials, some of which will be suitable as standard reference substances. In particular, the paper concentrates upon the method of analysis of the experimental data and upon those critical aspects of the experimental technique which will enable a high accuracy to be achieved. Demonstrations of the validity of the method of treating one correction and of its behavior under typical conditions are included.