PRIDICTION OF THE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF 4-AXIAL NON-WOVEN COMPOSITES

Abstract

In this paper, we used the established volume-average method and proposed thermal resistance method to predict the thermal conductivity of 4-axial NWCs. The comparison of the numerical results with measured ones showed reasonable agreement. In view of realities, the present model provides a means for predicting a reasonable upper bound for the thermal conductivity of the considered materials because of the assumptions mentioned above. 4-axial non-woven composites are usually fabricated with C/C composites as well as carbon/epoxy composites. It is difficult to predict the properties of C/C composites because of the high anisotropy and difficulties in the measurement of matrix properties. Our model, however, can be very useful guidelines for the design and the development of materials by enabling sensitivity studies to be conducted rapidly and easily.