A model for an isoperibol power-compensated twin calorimeter

We present a theoretical model of a calorimeter, with particular reference to the Perkin-Elmer DSC-7, with the aim of emulating, in the simplest possi ble manner, the essential operations of this instrument. The basic idea is to assign a working transfer function to each of its fundamental elements: differential temperature amplifier, average temperature amplifier and progr ammer From these transfer functions we get the theoretical output of the ca lorimeter. This output is used to fit the unbalance that occurs when the ca lorimeter switches from isothermal to scanning state. Following this, we wo rk out the transfer function of the calorimeter and evaluate it using the p arameters obtained from the fitting. We then use this function to deconvolu te the melting peak of indium samples and to interpret melting temperature dependence on the scanning rate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B,V. All rights reserved.