Complexity matters: Highly-accurate numerical models of coupled radiative–conductive heat transfer in a laser flash experiment

Thermal diffusivity measurements of samples transmitting thermal radiation require adjustments to the data treatment procedures in laser flash analysis. Conventionally, an unconstrained diathermic model is used. Current results show that alternative coupled radiative-conductive models produce substantially different -- for instance, at high temperatures oxide ceramics. However, care must be taken ensure accurate implementations each constituent computational technique. The latter are presented this work.