Computational Approaches For Heat Conduction In Composite Materials

Abstract

In this paper we consider computational approaches for the study of heat conduction in composite materials. Also, because of their importance to the validation of numerical results, we provide a brief overview of related analytical and experimental approaches. Sample analyses are presented, where representative numerical results for the effective thermal conductivity of fibrous and particulate composites are compared among themselves, and to some analytical predictions and experimental measurements. We conclude that still much work needs to be done in the field, in particular on the geometric and physical modeling of three-dimensional heat conduction in the composites in use today.