Thermal shock resistance of $Al_2O_3$- and Fe-$Al_2TiO_5$-based Castable Refractories was studied using a central heating technique. Ring type specimens, 10mm thick and 20 and 100mm inner and outer diameters, respectively, were rapidly heated on the internal surface of the centre hole using a high power electrical heating element. The temperature field was measured experimentally and modelled using finite element analysis (FEA). The thermal stress field was also modelled using FEA. A radial notch was introduced to the ring specimens to enable calculation of the thermal stress intensity factors (SIF). A special LVDT device was incorporated in the thermal shock tester to monitor crack mouth opening displacement (COD). The thermal shock fracture initiation and crack propagation behaviour of the castable refractories were ascertained using the COD measurements and the fracture mechanics analysis data.