A quantitative analysis of th~ Cut-Bar method of measuring the thermal conductivity of solids is performed. The mathematical model, which corrects for the difference in heat flux in the specimen and reference standard, is that of the two dimensional steady heat conduction equation applied to an annulus of insulation. The solution is presented in detail and found to be comprised of two physically distinct parts, a conductiv_ity factor and a geometrical factor. A number of charts and graphs are

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... esented for clarification as to the nature and magnitude the relative sizes of the various components will have on the accuracy over different conductivity ranges. The complexity of the geometrical factor required a digital computer programs which are included.