Review on the Measurement of Thermal Properties of Rocks for Deep Geological Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Abstract

This study investigated the thermal properties of rocks, including thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermal diffusivity, and the thermal expansion coefficient. Here, testing methods for the thermal properties of rocks were introduced based on ASTM, ISO, and the field measurement method developed by POSIVA in Finland. Previous studies have shown that the thermal properties of rocks show temperature dependence, anisotropy, pressure dependence, and mineral composition dependence; therefore, these characteristics require examination. The thermal properties of granitic and clayey rocks were investigated at the Swedish Forsmark disposal site,