A Mathematical Model to Predict the Thermal Response of Decomposing, Expanding Polymer Composites

Abstract

A one-dimensional transient thermal model has been developed to predict the thermal response of a decomposing, expanding polymer composite exposed to high temperatures. Both the decomposition and thermochemical expansion, as well as the storage of decom position gases in the solid material were considered in the formulation of the model. The accuracy of the model was evaluated by comparing predicted and experimental tempera ture profiles for a widely used glass-filled phenolic. The predicted temperatures agreed with the measured values with an average difference of 15.7°C and a standard deviation of 36.9°C.