Three-dimensional Finite Element Method Model Research Articles

Obtaining the thermal resistance of air enclosed at the interface of multilayer fabrics by simulation

An air layer enclosed at the interface was largely responsible for the insulation results of multilayer fabrics obtained from experiments. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element method model, in which the air layer enclosed at the interface of multilayer fabrics was ignored, was developed to calculate the fabric thermal resistance, and the result obtained from the fabric model was independent of the air. A Thermolab II Tester KES-F7 was also used to measure the thermal resistance of fabrics, and the experimental results were influenced by the air layer. By comparing the simulation and experimental result, the air layer thermal resistance was determined, and then an estimating equation, which can be used to estimate the fabric and air layer thermal resistance for multilayer fabrics, was proposed. The results suggested that the surface roughness of fabrics was strongly related to the air layer thermal resistance, with a linear relationship between them. Moreover, for multiple layers stacked by different fabrics, the air layer thermal resistance at the interface was mainly decided by the fabric with the rougher surface. An estimating equation was also developed to predict the thermal resistance of multilayer fabrics and good correlation between predicted and experimental values was observed.

Multi-objective Optimization of Permanent Magnet Adjustable Speed Driver Base on RSM Model and NSGA-II

To optimise the structure of a permanent magnet adjustable speed driver (PMASD), a multi-objective optimization design method for increasing the output torque and reducing the eddy current loss was proposed. Firstly, the three-dimensional finite element method model of a PMASD was established, the influence of the main configuration parameters in the PMASD on the output torque and the eddy current loss was analyzed, and the reasonable range of the parameters was determined. When taking the minimal eddy current loss and maximum output torque as the optimal objectives, the secondary response surface numerical model equation was built using the Central Composite Design experimental method and the Response Surface Methodology. Then, while ensuring that the output torque of the PMASD is not less than the rated torque, the NSGA-II was used to perform multi-objective optimization based on the response surface model and the Pareto optimal solution sets for two objectives was obtained. Finally, the minimal eddy current loss model and maximum output torque model were selected to compare with the initial model that was not optimized. The simulation results proved that the output torque of the minimal eddy current loss model increased by 6.54% based on the reduction of eddy current loss by 0.81% and the output torque of the maximum output torque model increased by 24.41% based on an increase in eddy current loss of 10.51%: the performance of both optimization models had been improved significantly. The optimization results show that this method improves the transmission performance of the PMASD.

Design of a high temperature superconducting magnet for a single silicon crystal growth system

This paper presents a study on the design of a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet for a Czochralski single silicon-crystal growth system by evaluating the temperature and flow distributions of silicon melt at the cusp magnetic field. A two-dimensional finite element method (FEM) simulation model was built to determine the effects of the magnetic field on the temperature and flow distributions in the silicon melt. The characteristics of the HTS magnet were analyzed using a three-dimensional FEM model. The HTS magnet was designed using 2G HTS wire and the magnet was validated through FEM simulation. The simulation results showed that the melt convection was significantly suppressed by the Lorentz force, and that the temperature distribution was uniform in the silicon melt under the cusp magnetic field. The shape of the HTS magnet was determined as a magnet ring with a magnetic flux density of 0.35 T at the center of the crucible bottom. The fundamental design specifications and the data obtained from this study can be applied to the development of a real silicon-crystal growth system.

A three-dimensional FEM model of channel machining by scanning micro electrochemical flow cell and jet electrochemical machining

In this research, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) model based on Faraday’s law and moving mesh technique is proposed to simulate the channel machining process in Scanning Micro Electrochemical Flow Cell (SMEFC) and jet electrochemical machining (jet-ECM). The scarcity of available FEM models for the channel fabrication by electrochemical machining (ECM) with confined electrolyte is identified through a brief review of ECM simulation with moving electrode. The detailed information on the model establishment is then presented, including the fundamental principle, the way to construct the geometrical model of the moving electrolyte droplet during the machining process, the boundary settings and some key assumptions. Thanks to the introduction of the virtual electrolyte layer and the moving mesh technique, confined machining of channels by SMEFC can be simulated. In the experimental validation phase, species of the electrolyte (NaNO3 and NaCl), the dimension of the hollow electrodes and the electrochemical equivalent of the workpiece, the machining voltages and feed rates are compared in terms of the channel cross-sectional profiles and errors. The flow field and heat transfer still need to be considered in order to simulate the case with NaNO3 electrolyte in the future. This proposed 3D simulation model can improve the understanding and applicability of channel machining by SMEFC, since the current density distribution and the change of workpiece shape can be calculated simultaneously. With some modifications, this method can be as well extended to the channel machining by jet-ECM. Two case studies of micro scale and meso scale jet-ECM are simulated respectively. The proposed simulation method is a potential way to understand and improve the channel machining process by ECM with confined electrolyte.

Scratch behavior of multilayer polymeric coating systems

A three-dimensional finite element method modeling along with experimental study on multilayer acrylic coating systems on a hard and brittle substrate has been performed to understand their scratch-induced deformation and damage mechanisms. The experimental results show that, while all else kept the same, an increase in soft (i.e., low Young's modulus and low strength) base layer thickness or hard (i.e., high Young's modulus and high strength) top layer thickness improve the scratch resistance of brittle coating systems by delaying the onset of cracking. The onset of plowing is delayed with the increase in hard top layer thickness, whereas increase in soft base layer thickness results in an earlier onset of plowing. The numerical analysis of the stress and strain field explains the mechanics behind the observed scratch behavior in the multilayer coating systems. The study provides insights toward designing scratch-resistant multilayer coating systems.

Three-dimensional contact analysis of coupled surfaces by a novel contact transformation method based on localized Lagrange multipliers

Instead of obsessively emphasizing to reduce the number of time increments and reshape the models, a novel surface contact transformation to increase efficiency is presented in this study. Wear on the bearing surfaces was investigated following the coupled regions from the pressure distribution, computed by means of three-dimensional finite element method models; an approximate analytical model and formulation in three-dimensional frictional contact problems based on modified localized Lagrange multiplier method have also been developed and discussed. Understanding wear behavior patterns in mechanical components is a significant task in engineering design. The proposed approach provides a complete and effective solution to the wear problem in a quasi-dynamic manner. However, expensive computing time is needed in the incremental procedures. In this article, an alternative and efficient finite element approach is introduced to reduce the computation costs of wear prediction. Through the successful verification of wear depth and volume loss of the pin-on-plate, block-on-ring, and metal-on-plastic artificial hip joint wear behaviors, the numerical calculations are shown to be both valid and feasible. Furthermore, the results also show that the central processing unit time required by the proposed method is nearly half that of the previous methods without loss of accuracy.

Numerical and experimental study of circular disc electromechanical impedance spectroscopy signature changes due to structural damage and sensor degradation

The article describes a study on the use of the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy method for crack-damage detection with piezoelectric wafer active sensors bonded to thin-walled structures. The study combines analytical, finite element method, and experimental methods. The specimens under consideration consisted of circular plates with circular piezoelectric wafer active sensors bonded at the center. Some of the plates were pristine, and others were damaged. The damage consists of simulated cracks (thin laser-machined slits) placed at various locations away from the center. For pristine plates, the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy spectrum was predicted with two numerical methods: (a) analytically using closed-form solutions and (b) Comsol 4.3 Multi-physics software using two-dimensional axisymmetric elements. The results were compared with experimental measurements performed with an HP 4194 impedance analyzer. This comparison allowed us to tune the model parameters. For plates with simulated cracks, the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy spectrum was predicted with three-dimensional finite element method models and then compared with experiments. Overall, the effect of crack damage on electromechanical impedance spectroscopy signature was found to consist of frequency shifts, peak splitting, and appearance of new peaks. These effects were predicted by the numerical models and confirmed by experiments. Modeshapes were also measured using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer and compared with finite element method predictions. Interesting new modeshape features (local high-frequency modes) were observed near the crack. These features tend to explain some of the new peaks appearing in the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy spectrum. Further refining of the finite element method model was performed to capture variability effects associated with plate thickness, piezoelectric wafer active sensors thickness, adhesive layer thickness, and imperfect adhesive layer. The effect on the piezoelectric wafer active sensors asymmetrically placed electrodes and soldering points was also studied. It was found that these variations modify the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy signatures, but much less than the changes induced by the presence of the crack. Hence, it was concluded that the capability of the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy method to detect actual damage was not affected by these variations. A proper physics-based analysis and interpretation of the electromechanical impedance spectroscopy spectral changes are performed.

Modeling and experimental verification of thermally induced residual stress in RF-MEMS

Electrostatically actuated radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF-MEMS) generally consist of microcantilevers and clamped–clamped microbeams. The presence of residual stress in these microstructures affects the static and dynamic behavior of the device. In this study, nonlinear finite element method (FEM) modeling and the experimental validation of residual stress induced in the clamped–clamped microbeams and the symmetric toggle RF-MEMS switch (STS) is presented. The formation of residual stress due to plastic deformation during the thermal loading-unloading cycle in the plasma etching step of the microfabrication process is explained and modeled using the Bauschinger effect. The difference between the designed and the measured natural frequency and pull-in voltage values for the clamped–clamped microbeams is explained by the presence of the nonhomogenous tensile residual stress. For the STS switch specimens, three-dimensional (3D) FEM models are developed and the initial deflection at zero bias voltage, observed during the optical profile measurements, is explained by the residual stress developed during the plasma etching step. The simulated residual stress due to the plastic deformation is included in the STS models to obtain the switch pull-in voltage. At the end of the simulation process, a good correspondence is obtained between the FEM model results and the experimental measurements for both the clamped–clamped microbeams and the STS switch specimens.

A comparative study of forces in labial and lingual orthodontics using finite element method

Background: Orthodontic treatment requires optimum force to achieve desirable tooth movement with minimal damage to the root, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone. Hence, quantifying the magnitude and direction of force is very important for orthodontic treatment. Both labial orthodontics (LaO) and lingual orthodontics (LiO) are used for orthodontic tooth movements, which differ considerably in their biomechanics. Although these differences have been explained, force magnitude need to be evaluated. Aims: 1. To evaluate the differences in biomechanics of tipping movement in LaO and LiO using finite element method (FEM). 2. To quantify the reduced amount of force in LiO as compared LaO in tipping. Study Settings: It is a computational tool where three-dimensional (3D) FEM models of upper incisor is simulated in order to map and compare the stress produced by tipping movement performed with lingual and LaO. Materials and Methods: A 3D FEM model of the maxillary right central incisor was made from a geometric model. A 50 g tipping force was applied on a labial side. The principal stress patterns in the PDL for orthodontic tooth movement were recorded. When 50 g of tipping force was applied from a lingual side, higher stress values were observed. The forces on the lingual side were reduced to 45 g, 40 g, 35 g, 34 g, 33.5 g, and 33 g to check the maximum stress pattern on PDL. Results: A 50 g tipping force applied on the labial side will bring about 0.0252 N/mm 2 maximum principal stress. When the same amount of force applied on the lingual side will bring about 0.0375 N/mm 2 maximum principal stress. A 33.6-g force applied on the lingual side will bring about 0.0252 N/mm 2 maximum principal stress which is similar to 50 g of force applied on the lingual side. Conclusion: A palatally directed tipping force of 33.6 g in LiO was sufficient for orthodontic tooth movement. Tipping in LiO required 32.8% less force when compared to LaO.

Finite Element Analysis of the Endodontically-treated Maxillary Premolars restored with Composite Resin along with Glass Fiber Insertion in Various Positions.

This study evaluated the effect of three methods of glass fiber insertion on stress distribution pattern and cusp movement of the root-filled maxillary premolars using finite element method (FEM) analysis. A three-dimensional (3 D) FEM model of a sound upper premolar tooth and four models of root-filled upper premolars with mesiocclusodistal (MOD) cavities were molded and restored with: (1) Composite resin only (NF); (2) Composite resin along with a ribbon of glass fiber placed in the occlusal third (OF); (3) Composite resin along with a ribbon of glass fiber placed circumferentially in the cervical third (CF), and (4) Composite resin along with occlusal and circumferential fibers (OCF). A static vertical load was applied to calculate the stress distributions. Structural analysis program by Solidworks were used for FEM analysis. Von-Mises stress values and cusp movements induced by occlusal loading were evaluated. Maximum Von-Mises stress of enamel occurred in sound tooth, followed by NF, CF, OF and OCF. Maximum Von-Mises stress of dentin occurred in sound tooth, followed by OF, OCF, CF and NF. Stress distribution patterns of OF and OCF were similar. Maximum overall stress values were concentrated in NF. Although stress distribution patterns of NF and CF were found as similar, CF showed lower stress values. Palatal cusp movement was more than buccal cusp in all of the models. The results of our study indicated that while the circumferential fiber had little effect on overall stress concentration, it provided a more favorable stress distribution pattern in cervical region. The occlusal fiber reduced the average stress in the entire structure but did not reduce cuspal movement. Incorporating glass fiber in composite restorations may alter the stress state within the structure depending on fiber position.

Experiments and Simulation on Mannesmann Piercing Process in the Drill Steel Manufacture

Steel drill rods are employed in the mining industry to drill blast holes in rock, for them a high-quality metal surface and accurate geometrical parameters are essential. Drill steel is a special material exclusively designed for drill rods. To estimate the microstructure and dimensional stability of drill steel, a rigid plastic finite element method (FEM) was applied in examining the Mannesmann piercing in the drill steel manufacture. The three-dimensional thermal-force coupling FEM models were computer-generated with different plug positions. The metal deformation during the piercing process was analyzed in detail. The stress-strain state of the metal ahead of the plug was simulated to obtain formation characteristics during the Mannesmann piercing. The effect of the plug position on force and strain rates was also studied with simulation. The results demonstrate that the dimensional stability of hollow drill rods can be enhanced by advancing the plug position.

An Analysis of the Stress induced in the Periodontal Ligament during Extrusion and Rotation Movements- Part II: A Comparison of Linear vs Nonlinear FEM Study.

Optimal orthodontic forces are those which stimulate tooth movement with minimal biological trauma to the tooth, periodontal ligament (PDL) during and alveolar bone. Among various types of tooth movements, extrusion and rotational movements are seen to be associated with the least amount of root resorption and have not been studied in detail. The mechanical behavior of the PDL is known to be nonlinear elastic and thus a nonlinear simulation of the PDL provides precision to the calculated stress values. Therefore in this study, the stress patterns in the PDL were evaluated with extrusion and rotational movements using the nonlinear finite element method (FEM). A three-dimensional (3D) FEM model of the maxillary incisors was generated using SOLIDWORKS modelling software. Stresses in the PDL were evaluated with extrusive and rotational movements by a 3D FEM using ANSYS software with nonlinear material properties. It was observed that with the application of extrusive load, the tensile stresses were seen at the apex whereas the compressive stress was distributed at the cervical margin. With the application of rotational movements, maximum compressive stress was distributed at the apex and cervical third whereas the tensile stress was distributed on cervical third of the PDL on the lingual surface. For rotational and extrusion movements, stress values over the periodontal ligament was within the range of optimal stress value as proposed by Lee, with a given force system by Proffit as optimum forces for orthodontic tooth movement using nonlinear properties. During rotation there are stresses concentrated at the apex, hence due to the concentration of the compressive forces at the apex a clinician must avoid placing heavy stresses during tooth movement.

Assessment of the Thermo-mechanical Performances of a DEMO Water-Cooled Liquid Metal Blanket Module

Within the framework of DEMO R&D activities, a research cooperation has been launched between ENEA-Brasimone, CEA-Saclay and the University of Palermo to investigate the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the outboard equatorial module of the DEMO1 Water-Cooled Lithium Lead (WCLL) blanket, both under normal operation and over-pressurization steady state scenarios. The research campaign has been carried out following a theoretical-computational approach based on the finite element method (FEM) and adopting a qualified commercial FEM code. In particular, two different three-dimensional FEM models of the WCLL blanket module have been set-up to be used for normal operation and over-pressurization analysis, respectively. The former reproduces realistically the WCLL blanket module central poloidal–radial region, including one breeder cell in the toroidal direction and all the five cells in the radial one. The latter simulates the entire module segment box, without including the breeder and its cooling tubes. Two set of uncoupled steady state thermo-mechanical analyses have been carried out with reference to the investigated loading scenarios. In particular, under normal operation scenario (level A) the module has been supposed to undergo both 15.5 MPa coolant pressure on its cooling channels walls and thermal deformations due to the flat-top plasma operational state thermal field, while under over-pressurization scenario (level D) it has been assumed to experience 15.5 MPa coolant pressure on its segment box internal walls while operating at normal operation thermal level. Results obtained are presented and critically discussed according to the SDC IC code.

Effect of non-metallic inclusions on the fatigue strength of helical spring wire

This work aims to evaluate the effects of the presence of non-metallic inclusions in the early failure of a helical spring subjected to regular design loads during its operation. In order to do so and also to reach a better understanding of the reduction in fatigue strength, an analytical model was used. A two-dimensional (2D) Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was developed to evaluate the residual stresses originated around an inclusion located near the material surface, by the application of a shot peening process. A three-dimensional (3D) FEM model was developed to study the stress concentration around the inclusion that appears under design loads. This study shows that the analytical model developed by Murakami (2002) [1] provides a valid insight on the fatigue strength reduction and that the FEM model may actually provide good qualitative and quantitative data that can help to obtain a better understanding of the process of early failures of spring wires with non-metallic inclusions.

有限要素法を用いた電気メスの伝導電流による植込み型心臓ペースメーカに対する電磁干渉評価法

High frequency surgical equipments have been reported to exert electromagnetic interference on implanted cardiac pacemakers because of the conductive currents. We proposed a methodology to evaluate the electromagnetic interference possible to simulate the complex anatomy using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and examined its feasibility. We performed an inhibition test and an asynchronous test using a phantom as the standardized Irnich human body model. We injected 10W of electrical energy (515 kHz, 270mARMS) using a high frequency surgical equipment, and measured the potential at 18 measuring electrodes placed in the phantom and the voltage between the electrodes of the pacemaker. A three-dimensional FEM model of phantom had been developed using 193 slices of X-ray CT images taken in 2mm pitch. Electrical potentials at each electrode were estimated using the FEM model and compared with experimental results. If output of the high frequency surgical equipment became more than 7W, the asynchronous test was positive. The maximum error was 25% between measured voltages and estimated voltages using FEM analysis, and average error was 13%. Those results demonstrate that the FEM analysis method is useful to investigate the electromagnetic interference on pacemakers by conductive currents, determining the presence or absence of electromagnetic interference.

Thermal performance of lightweight steel framed wall: The importance of flanking thermal losses

The thermal performance of a modular lightweight steel framed wall was measured and calculated with three-dimensional finite element method model. The focus of this article is on the effect of flanking thermal losses. The calculated heat flux values varied from −22% (external surface) to +50% (internal surface) when flanking loss was set to 0 as a reference case, thermal transmittance equal to 0.30 W/(m2·K). Other critical parameters were the existence of fixing ‘L’-shaped steel elements and the perimeter thermal insulation (10 cm XPS).

Appropriate Wood Constitutive Law for Simulation of Nonlinear Behavior of Timber Joints

AbstractIn structural analysis, because of its anisotropic behavior, wood requires an appropriate constitutive law covering different behavior modes, such as ductile compressive behavior and brittle character in shear and tension. In this study, nonlinear material models were proposed to describe the behavior of timber in a finite-element method (FEM) model. An anisotropic elastoplastic constitutive law with hardening according to Hill yield criterion was used to describe the compressive behavior. Brittle behavior in tension and shear were modeled by using the progressive failure analysis approach, which is based on a failure criterion representing the evolution of damage in timber by a reduction of the elastic modulus. The wood material model was implemented in a three-dimensional FEM model to simulate the nonlinear behavior of timber joints with various types of loadings. The numerical model reliably predicted the stiffness and failure load of the joints. Furthermore, the failure index provided by the n...

Thin and Thermally Stable Periodic Metastructures

We design, fabricate, and test thin thermally stable metastructures consisting of bi-metallic unit cells and show how the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of these metastructures can be finely and coarsely tuned by varying the CTE of the constituent materials and the unit cell geometry. Planar and three-dimensional finite element method modeling (FEM) is used to drive our design and inform experiments, and predict the response of these metastructures. We develop a robust experimental fabrication procedure in order to fabricate thermally stable samples with high aspect ratios. We use digital image correlation (DIC) and an infrared camera to experimentally measure displacement and temperature during testing and compute the CTE of our samples. The samples, composed of an aluminum core and an external titanium frame, exhibit a CTE of 2.6 ppm/°C, which is significantly lower than either constituent. These unit cells can be assembled over a large area to create thin low-CTE foils. Finally, we demonstrate how the approach developed in this work can be used to fabricate metastructures with CTE’s ranging from −3.6 ppm/°C to 8.4 ppm/°C.

Some aspects of structural modelling and restoring stiffness in hydroelastic analysis of large container ships

The increase in world trade has largely contributed to the expansion of sea traffic. As a result, the market demand is leading to ultra-large container ships (ULCS), with expected capacity up to 18,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) and length about 400 m, without changes in the operational requirements (speed up to 27 knots). The particular structural design of the container ships leads to open midship sections, resulting in increased sensitivity to torsional and horizontal bending loads that is much more complex to model numerically. At the same time, due to their large dimensions, the structural natural frequencies of ULCS become significantly lower so that the global hydroelastic structural responses (springing and whipping) can become a critical issue in the ship design and should be properly modelled by the simulation tools since the present classification rules do not cover described operating stages completely. There are several research projects worldwide aiming at solving this problem, and one of them is the EU FP7 project TULCS (tools for ultra-large container ships) for development of the integrated design tools, based on numerical procedures, model tests and full-scale measurements. This paper is based on research activities and results of the project, with particular emphasis on the part that deals with global hydroelastic loading and response. Special attention is paid to beam structural model based on the advanced beam theory. It includes shear influence on bending and torsion, contribution of transverse bulkheads to hull stiffness and an appropriate modelling of relatively short engine room structure of ULCS. Along with that, a hydrodynamic model is presented in a condensed form. Further on, a fully consistent formulation of restoring stiffness, which plays an important role in the hydrostatic model, is described. Theoretical contributions are illustrated within the numerical example, which includes a complete hydroelastic analysis of an 11,400 TEU container ship. In this case, validation of the one-dimensional (1D) finite-element method (FEM) model is done by a correlation analysis with the vibration response of the fine three-dimensional (3D) FEM model. The procedure related to determination of engine room effective stiffness is checked by a 3D FEM analysis of a ship-like pontoon, which has been made according to the 7800 TEU container ship properties. The obtained results confirm that the sophisticated beam model is a very useful numerical tool for the designer and represents a reasonable choice for determining wave load effects on ULCS, in preliminary design stage.

Thermal conductivity of micro/nano filler filled polymeric composites

The thermal conductivity of emulsion-polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber (ESBR) composites filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zinc oxide (ZnO) and alumina (Al2O3) was predicted using the finite element method (FEM). Two-dimensional (2D) FEM models, which involved the effects of aspect ratio (AR), shape, orientation and thermal conductivity anisotropy (TCA) of the CNTs, and interfacial thermal resistance (ITR), were used to simulate the microstructure of CNT filled ESBR composites. Also, 2D and three-dimensional (3D) FEM models were developed to simulate the microstructure of Al2O3 or ZnO filled ESBR composites. An increase in the thermal conductivity with increasing Al2O3 or ZnO loadings was predicted by the FEM. The orientation angle (OA) of the CNTs and the ITR strongly affect the thermal conductivity as predicted by the FEM. The TCA of the CNTs also has a prominent effect on the thermal conductivity when CNTs have a relatively small OA. At a given filler loading, the thermal conductivity increased with the increasing intrinsic thermal conductivity of the filler over a certain range for a particular shape of filler. The thermal conductivities predicted by the FEM were compared with those predicted by Agari's models and the experimental results. The trends of the thermal conductivity predicted by the FEM agreed with the experimental data. The thermal conductivity of the ESBR composites predicted by 2D and 3D spherical particle filler (SPF) FEM models as a function of ZnO and Al2O3 loading showed that the 3D SPF FEM model agreed well with the experimental results at low loadings (not higher than 20 phr), while the 2D SPF FEM model agreed well with the experimental results at high loadings (higher than 80 phr). In addition to being used for the analysis of existing composites, the proposed FEM models are useful for the design and optimization of new composite materials, and are expected to provide a more insightful understanding into the thermal conductivity of polymeric composites.