Significance and Need of Computational Analysis and Finite Element Modelling For the Investigation of Thermal Behaviour of Composite Materials

Composite materials are the cutting edge materials that possess unrestrained opportunities for advanced material science and development. Thermal studies of composite materials are gaining greater impetus in the present scenario. This will help to comprehend the properties of materials as they change with temperature. The thermal characterization of hybrid composites has been progressively more important in a wide range of applications. The coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, latent heat and thermal diffusivity are the most important properties of composite materials. Since nearly all composites are used in various temperature ranges, measurement of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and thermal conductivity as a function of temperature is necessary in order to know the behaviour of the material. Thermal characterization and analysis of hybrid composites will depend on the factors that influence on the prominent thermo-physical properties presents a major challenge since they are sensitive to the type of reinforcement and method of manufacture. This research paper emphasizes the significance, need, applications and scope of computational investigation and finite element analysis of composite materials.