In the Tech Data series on thermal conductivity, gases - especially air - have been the subject of a few contributions. So far, the influence of two important parameters has been covered: temperature and pressure. However, people regularly ask: "What exactly is the influence of humidity?" And my standard answer has always been: "Nothing to worry about." Some time ago, one of … [Read more...]
The Thermal Conductivity of Air at Reduced Pressures and Length Scales
In several earlier issues of Electronics Cooling, I discussed the thermal conductivity of air as a function of temperature and pressure. Therein, it was stated that the temperature dependence cannot be neglected, but that the pressure dependence, under 'normal' conditions, is virtually absent. But what is 'normal' these days? In 'normal' electronic systems we, indeed, need … [Read more...]
The Thermal Conductivity of Thermal Insulators
This issue, we present an overview of a number of materials that are often used as thermal insulators. The world would have been much easier for thermal engineers if only the creator had provided us with a choice of materials showing the same range in thermal conductivity values as exists for electrical conductivity. Alas, this isn't the case. Thus, not a single one of the … [Read more...]
The thermal conductivity of rubbers/elastomers
In the May 2001 issue, this column discussed the thermal conductivity of unfilled plastics. The interested reader may have noticed that the category of rubbers/elastomers was missing. This was not without reason. The user of these elastic materials should be aware that the final thermal resistance (which is, of course, from an engineering point of view, the more important … [Read more...]
The Anisotropic Thermal Conductivity of Plastics
The easiest way to tailor thermal conductivity of plastics is to incorporate some highly thermal conductive filler material into the plastic molding compound. Here the filler particles act as heat carriers in the thermally isolating media. Roughly, if more filler is used, then higher thermal conductivity is achieved. Phenomena related to manufacturability and strength often … [Read more...]
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