where B, S and t95 represent the basis limit, the precision index and the confidence level, respectively. The maximum uncertainties of heat generation rate, heat flux, surface temperature and heat transfer coefficient were estimated to be 2.0% rdg., 2.4% rdg., 2.8% rdg. and 4.4% rdg., respectively.
The experiment was carried out as follows. First, solid D-mannitol was poured into the glass vessel before the test heater was set. After D-mannitol was preheated to the melting tempera- ture by the oil bath, the test heater and thermocouple were inserted into liquid D-mannitol. An electric current was supplied to the test heater after the liquid temperature of D-mannitol was confirmed to be stable. The temperature of the test heater surface and the heat flux with passage of time were then measured.