Finite element analysis for cooling of a vertical composite plate

The composite materials often subject to the media having high and low temp eratures. The temperature values of critical points on the materials must b e known for this type of machine designing elements. In this study, the coo ling problem of L-shaped composite vertical plate is investigated by theore tically and experimentally. The couples of steel-copper, steel-brass, brass -copper and steel-aluminum are selected for composite materials. The finite element method is used for the theoretical analysis. The transient tempera ture distribution for composite plates having different thickness is studie d for various cooling media such as a stagnant air, a stagnant water, a sta gnant oil or sprayed water. It is observed that the temperature increases o n the contact points of the composite materials. Therefore, the thermal str ess is the most important factor for the cooling process of the composite m aterials. (CV) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.