During the selection of materials and/or any simulation calculations, dimensioning, and optimization of energy-producing or -using systems (Oven, Boiler, Dryer, Reactor, Heat pump, housing, etc.), the engineer or researcher encounters a deficiency in the thermo-physical parameter databases or measurement equipment that enables them to be determined. A specific metrology, associated with the reverse methods in full development, makes it possible to know these characteristics with precision, to develop new materials and also to valorize local materials. The generally useful thermo-physical characteristics are:

• * The thermal conductivity and diffusivity that characterize heat transfer by conduction.
• * The absorptivity, the emissivity and the diffusivity of the thermal radiation characterizing the transfer by radiation.
• * The porosity, the permeability and the capillary pressure which characterize the flow and, consequently, the transport of energy by convection.

Based on a bibliographical search, the main objectives of the work carried out around the world are essentially:

• * Performance evaluation of different characterization methods.
• * The development of new identification methods.
• * Improving the means of measuring the various thermodynamic quantities.
• * The development of other characterization methods.

An international congress, whose themes are the thermophysical characterization of materials, takes place every three years (European Conferences on Thermophysical properties “ECTP”). It was held for the last time in London from September 1 to 4, 2002. On a national scale, the existing benches are far from covering the spectrum of materials and characteristics required. On the other hand, these benches require improvements relating to their automation, the use of more precise means of measurement and the development of more precise identification methods. In this area, LESTE has been developing for several years an activity of thermophysical characterization of materials. He organized on May 9 and 10, 2003 the first Franco-Tunisian symposium on the thermophysical characterization of materials (CTPM'03).

Objectives of the research program:

• * Improving and automating existing benches in order to have more precise, faster and less expensive measurements.
• * Setting up new benches to cover a wider spectrum of materials and characteristics.
• * Mastering the inverse techniques which, by their performance, will simplify the experimental tools.
• * Using sensitivity analysis for the optimal design and development of new benches for the thermophysical characterization of materials.

Methodology and approach envisaged for carrying out the research program:

• * Further refine and improve digital identification codes by inverse techniques, taking into account the various uncertainties and making them easily usable.
• * Improve and refine the numerical codes for optimizing identification experiments.
• * improve and refine direct resolution numerical codes by making them faster, more robust and usable for complex geometric configurations.
• * Improve the characterization benches by automating them and increasing the precision of measurements of observable quantities. We therefore wish to use non-contact temperature measurement techniques such as infrared thermography techniques.
• * Set up a characterization bench on a local scale to characterize small samples. These benches will thus make it possible to determine the heterogeneities of the thermophysical characteristics in a material.

Opportunities for promoting research results: