ABSTRACT
A comparative cut-bar apparatus with novel mechanical and thermal design features is described. As a departure from conventional designs, the guard surrounding the cylindrical sample and reference stack is not a single piece, tubular body, but a split one made up of two half shells. Instead of granular or powder insulation between the guard and the stacks, solid insulating sections are used that are vacuum formed from fibrous stock. The device is also equipped with a unique dual heatsink which allows uninterrupted testing over the entire RT to 1000°C range.
