Empirical Modeling of Heat Transfer in Cylindrical Polymer Rods Manufactured by 3D Printing

Abstract

Abstract The assessment of the ability of polymeric materials to transmit heat is of interest both from the point of view of ensuring maximum thermal transfer and thermal insulation. A simple equipment was designed and materialized for studying thermal transfer in polylactic acid rods made by 3D printing. The results of some experimental tests carried out using the equipment were mathematically processed, determining empirical mathematical models of the second-degree polygon type and a power-type function. The analysis of the empirical mathematical models and the graphic representations made on their basis revealed a decrease in temperature with the increase of the distance from the heated end of the cylindrical rod type test sample and the increase in temperature along the rod until the state of thermal equilibrium is reached.