SRM 1460 series as a thermal diffusivity standard for laser flash instruments

The specific heat and thermal expansion ( double right arrow bulk density) of the SRM 1460 series austenitic stainless steel have been measured with t he intent of converting this material to a thermal diffusivity standard. Th ese data, along with the recommended NIST values of thermal conductivity, w ere used to compute the thermal diffusivity between -100 and 875 degrees C. The estimated uncertainties in the computed thermal diffusivity values are 3.9% between -100 and 25 degrees C and 5.6% above 25 degrees C. In additio n, the thermal diffusivity was measured directly and compared with the comp uted data. The deviations between the two data sets are generally less than 3.0% between 50 and 850 degrees C.