A model of heat transfer in composites subjected to thermographic testing

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present a model of heat transfer taking place during thermovision testing of polymer composites. The purpose of thermographic tests was to identify thermal properties of searched material and to correlate them with working characteristics. Design/methodology/approach: Heat transfer model of composite samples mounted in thermographic test stand of our own design was elaborated. The model was applied as a tool of tested material characteristics identification and forming the basis of laminate degradation degree diagnosis. Findings: The most essential result of the project is the physical and numerical heat transfer model. Good conformity between model predictions and exemplary experimental results was achieved. Research limitations/implications: Experimental results of heat transfer through the composite mounted in thermographic testing stand proved the correctness of developed model. Results of physical properties identification showed the possibility of non-destructive diagnosis of wide class of materials. Practical implications: Results of presented project together with results of planned experimental programme devoted to elaboration of diagnostic relations enable to apply thermography directly to the state of polymeric structural materials assessment. Originality/value: Originality of the project is based on possibility of practical application of the model to simulate heat transfer through tested sample mounted in thermographic test stand. Proposed method of diagnostic tests was not interesting for scientists till now.