Thermal Conductivity Materials For Aerospace Applications

When a material is able to transfer heat quickly, it can be considered to have high thermal conductivity. This property is important in aerospace materials, as it allows critical systems to operate within their optimal temperature ranges and helps keep the overall aircraft safe and efficient. The thermal conductivity of a material can be affected by its structure, composition, and temperature, so it is crucial to understand how each factor impacts this property.

Understanding Thermal Conductivity Materials is defined as the rate at which heat moves per unit time through a unit area of a sampled material with a given temperature gradient. This value is measured in W/mK. Thermal conductivity is often expressed as a scalar quantity, but it can also be described as a second-rank tensor in certain cases, particularly when the material exhibits anisotropy.

For example, silver is an extremely conductive metal, while diamond is a very dense insulator. These differences in thermal conductivity are due to the fact that free valence electrons in metallic materials are able to transfer heat much more rapidly than phonons in nonmetallic materials. The thermal conductivity of a material is also influenced by its pressure. For instance, high pressure can cause a density increase, which can lead to increased thermal conductivity through the tighter packing of atoms and molecules.

There are many methods to measure the thermal conductivity of a material, each suitable for a specific range of materials. Steady-state techniques infer the conductivity based on measurements taken after a system has reached a steady state, while transient methods operate on a sample during its approach to a temperature profile. Both of these methods are commonly used to evaluate the thermal properties of polymer composites and additives, as well as solid materials.

When selecting a thermal insulation for your aerospace application, it is important to consider the material’s thermal conductivity, as well as its ability to meet other criteria like flame retardant and fire resistance. In addition, the insulation must be able to pass strict adhesive criteria for use in aerodynamic applications such as windshields and aircraft engines.

Lamart manufactures a variety of coating and tape solutions that can enhance an aerospace product’s thermal properties, including a range of adhesives designed to meet strict aerospace insulation specifications. For more information on how these products can help your project, contact our team today! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our aerospace insulation adhesives and coatings.