Prediction and measurement of the thermal conductivity of composite materials

Abstract

The transverse thermal conductivity of continuous fibre composite materials has been described in terms of a number of models which yield analytic expressions that are simple to evaluate but limited in application. A more general solution to the two-dimensional, steady-state heat flow equation is obtained by using the finite difference method. This involves extensive computing but this method has the advantage that a rigorous solution is obtained. The results of some experimental measurements are considered and a solution to a measurement problem for composites with fibres at any angle to the imposed temperature gradient is discussed. Heat flow in anisotropic composite materials in directions at any angle to the axes of symmetry is discussed.