Influence of Fiber Volume Content on Thermal Conductivity in Transverse and Fiber Direction of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates.

Simon Bard,Volker Altstädt,Martin Demleitner,Florian Schönl

doi:10.3390/ma12071084

Abstract

Thermal conductivity is an important material property for thermo-mechanical calculations, as mechanical properties strongly depend on the temperature and heat distribution in the manufactured parts. Although several suggestions for approximation formulae have been made, existing experimental data are rare and are not comparable due to different measurement methods. In addition, scarcely has the thermal conductivity in both the fiber direction and transverse direction been studied. The aim of the current research is to show the influence of carbon fiber volume content on the thermal conductivity of laminates. The values are then used to verify the micromechanical models used in the literature. A strong influence on the thermal conductivity could be determined. For the transverse thermal conductivity, the correlation was exponential; for the conductivity in the fiber direction, a linear correlation was found.

Highlights

The thermal load of the material strongly affects the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites
A few publications that deal with thermal conductivity in the fiber direction could be identified
2 W/mK suggested by Rolfes and Hammerschmidt applicable for alsocarbon applicable the carbon investigated the fibers for investigated in fibers the current research.in the current research

Summary

Introduction

The thermal load of the material strongly affects the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites. The distribution of heat in a manufactured part leads to inner stresses and microcracks. An important material constant is, the thermal conductivity. Approximation formulae for simulations can be used to calculate the heat distribution [1]. A few researchers have focused so far on the thermal conductivity of carbon fiber-reinforced laminates. As the properties of fiber-reinforced composites are highly anisotropic, thermal conductivity perpendicular to the fibers (transverse) and in the fiber direction needs to be distinguished [2]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion