Rapid prediction model of effective thermal conductivity of plain weave fabric in space environment

Abstract

The prediction of effective thermal conductivity of aerospace insulation materials is crucial for insulation design and radiation characteristics control of space targets. In this paper, a rapid and accurate prediction model is proposed for the effective thermal conductivity of plain weave fabrics in space environments. This model assumes that the cross-sectional shape and bending degree of yarns within aerospace fabrics remain unchanged. To represent the structural characteristics of the plain weave fabric, a dimensionless parameter called "f" is defined. Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the effects of fabric structure, temperature, and yarn thermal properties on the effective thermal conductivity of multilayer fabrics. Three parameters are identified as the most influential factors for the effective thermal conductivity of plain weave fabrics: the structural parameter f, and the axial and radial thermal conductivities of yarns. Based on extensive simulation data, an empirical equation is proposed for the rapid prediction of the effective thermal conductivity of plain weave fabrics. Moreover, polyester, cotton, and wool plain weave fabric samples are tested for their thermal conductivity in a vacuum environment. The predicted results from the empirical equation proposed in this study exhibit a deviation of less than 6 % when compared to experimental measurements. This study can provide valuable insights for the design of plain weave fabrics used in aerospace insulation materials.