The research is primarily experimental but it utilizes advanced analysis techniques for determining parameters and functions from transient measurements. Two different types of transient heat transfer experiments are to be performed and both are multi- dimensional. The first type of experiments involves the simultaneous determination of directional thermal conductivities in a fiber-epoxy composite material and its density-specific heat product. The second type involves quenching of heated spheres in cooling baths. This has application to processing of materials to improve hardness and other metallurgical properties. Both of these experiments are to be analyzed using two-dimensional inverse computer programs developed at Michigan State University; these programs incorporate a general, direct heat conduction problem solver, TOPAZ, which was developed at Lawrence Livermore Research Laboratory. Fiber-filled epoxy composites are very important advanced materials. They have special properties that make them uniquely suited for aerospace and aeronautical applications. One of the special characteristics is their strongly directional properties, including thermal conductivity. This research is to use previously-developed parameter and function estimation techniques in the analysis of two-dimensional experiments for the measurement of directional thermal conductivities. This research is important because the thermal conductivity values are needed in the intelligent curing and processing and the design of components using these materials. Directional-dependent thermal conductivity can be difficult to measure in the usual one-dimensional experiments because the specimens are frequently restricted to being quite thin for thermal testing purposes. Two-dimensional transient experiments do not have the same restrictions. Furthermore the new combined analysis and experimental techniques have the capability to open new possibilities in such tests, including in situ tests, biological materials, and advanced directional materials such as fiber-based composites and the new superconductivity materials. Some quenching experiments are also to be performed. The various experiments have the potential of advancing the theory of combined parameters and function estimation because the estimation techniques depend critically upon the measurement accuracy and errors.
