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Abstract

A new model has been developed for the prediction of thermal profiles for fibre reinforced plastic composites exposed to high one sided heat flux. The model involves expressing the thermal diffusivity of the composite as a function of temperature. Apparent thermal diffusivity (ATD) can take into account the decomposition of the resin, which is endothermic, as well as the consequent changes in specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the composite. This offers the possibility of significantly simplifying computational procedures needed for modelling thermal behaviour with decomposition. Temperature profiles were measured at different depths through the thickness of a chopped strand mat/polyester composite and compared with the results obtained with the ATD model. The results were also compared with predictions of the COM_FIRE model, a previously developed heat transfer model for fibre reinforced composites in fire, based on the Henderson equation.

Keywords

THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY COMPOSITES IN FIRE HIGH TEMPERATURE

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Fire model for fibre reinforced plastic composites using apparent thermal diffusivity (ATD)

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