Uranium carbide: Thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity and spectral emissivity at high temperatures

Abstract The thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity and spectral emissivity at 0.65 μm of uranium carbide have been measured with the aid of a modulated electron-beam apparatus. For hypostoichiometric samples, a reversible, time-dependent oxidation-reduction of the surface interfered with the measurements between 1100 and 1400°C, without affecting the results. Expressions are derived representing the thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity and spectral emissivity for stoichiometric and for slightly hypo- and hyperstoichiometric uranium carbide.