Finite Element Method and Cut Bar Method-Based Comparison Under 150°, 175° and 310 °C for an Aluminium Bar

Abstract

Analyses were developed using a finite element method of the experimental measurement system for thermal conductivity of solid materials, used by the Centro Nacional de Metrología (CENAM), which operates under a condition of permanent heat flow. The CENAM implemented a thermal conductivity measurement system for solid materials limited in its operating intervals to measurements of maximum 300 ° C for solid conductive materials. However, the development of new materials should be characterised and studied to know their thermophysical properties and ensure their applications to any temperature conditions. These task demand improvements in the measurement system, which are proposed in the present work. Improvements are sought to achieve high-temperature measurements in metallic materials and conductive solids, and this system may also cover not only metallic materials. Simulations were performed to compare the distribution of temperatures developed in the measurement system as well as the radial heat leaks, which affect the measurement parameters for an aluminium bar, and uses copper bars as reference material. The simulations were made for measurements of an aluminium bar at a temperature of 150 ° C, in the plane and 3D, another at 175 ° C and one more known maximum temperature reached by a sample of the aluminium bar with a new heater acquired at 310 ° C.