Thermal Conductivity Analysis of Laminated Composite Plates using Finite Element Method

Abstract Thermal conductivity in composite materials refers to their heat conduction capability, influenced by the contribution of fibers and matrix. Analyzing this property is essential for predicting temperature distribution and ensuring structural integrity under thermal loads on laminated composite plates. This study investigates steady-state heat conduction in laminated composite plates using finite element analysis based on the Galerkin method, implemented in MATLAB. The analysis considers two boundary conditions: specified temperature and mixed boundary conditions, with the latter involving convection and insulation to replicate real-world scenarios. The study evaluates isotropic, orthotropic, and MMC plates, focusing on the effects of thermal conductivity, aspect ratio, and ply orientation on heat flow and temperature distribution. The results demonstrate that higher thermal conductivity improves heat distribution and reduces peak temperatures while increasing aspect ratios enhance temperature uniformity. The study also examines the influence of varying ply orientations in MMC laminates, highlighting their role in directional and uniform heat flow. Validation of the finite element code against analytical solutions ensures reliable results. The findings provide practical insights for optimizing thermal performance and designing efficient composite materials, with applications in fields like aerospace and electronics where effective heat management is critical.