ASTM D4611-16

5.1 Specific heat is a basic thermodynamic property of all substances. The value of specific heat depends upon chemical or mineralogical composition and temperature. The rate of temperature diffusion through a material, thermal diffusivity, is a function of specific heat; therefore, specific heat is an essential property of rock and soil when these materials are used under conditions of unsteady or transient heat flow.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of instantaneous and mean values of the specific heat of rock and soil.

1.2 This test method employs the classical method of mixtures, which involve procedures and an apparatus that are simpler than those generally used in scientific calorimetry, but with an accuracy that is adequate for most rocks and soils. While this test method was developed for testing rock and soil, it can be adapted to measure the specific heat of other materials.

1.3 The testing procedure provides an instantaneous specific heat over temperatures ranging from 25 to 300°C or a mean specific heat in that temperature range.

1.4 The test procedure is limited to dry specimens of soil and rock.

1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurements are included in this standard.

1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.