Abstract: Selecting an effective and convenient simplified model for dual-probe seafloor heat-flow meter is the theoretical basis for optimizing dual-probe structure, which is very important to improve heat-flow calculation accuracy. Basing on the finite element numerical model about seafloor pulsing dual-probe, the authors analyzed in detail how the dual-probe’s heat pulse duration, heat generation rate, thermal properties, length and radius affect model errors in three line source simplified models. The selected effective and convenient simplified model is the one whose model errors are the least. The results are as follows: 1) in dual-probe heat pulse method, Pulsed Finite Line Source (PFLS) model is a more practical simplified model, in which the model errors from pulse duration and probe length can be avoided; 2) in the PFLS model, model errors from probe thermal conductivity can be neglected. In addition, model errors can recede with probe spacing increasing, probe radius decreasing and probe volume heat capacity approaching the surrounding medium. When surrounding medium temperature change can be detected and recorded effectively by the sensor probe, probe heat pulse power cannot affect model errors.

Key words: Dual-probe seafloor in-situ heat-flow meter, Dual-probe seafloor in-situ heat-flow meter, Dual-probe heat pulse (DPHP) method, Dual-probe heat pulse (DPHP) method, Line source simplified models, Line source simplified models, Finite element numerical modeling, Finite element numerical modeling