Heat transfer characteristics of function gradient metal rubber: theoretical modelling and experimental validation

Of particular interest and complexity is to identify ways for the heat transfer characteristics of the proposed function gradient metal rubber (FGMR). Integrated with the traditional manufacture technology of metal rubber (MR), the sectional winding and wrapping coating were adopted to fabricate FGMRs with three gradient configurations. And the theoretical model of effective heat conductivity coefficient of FGMR was established by incorporating combined macro and micro methods. The results indicate the integrated manufacture technology can make FGMR have excellent homogeneous morphology, and achieve the initially designed gradient configuration. In addition, the gradient configuration is beneficial to improve the overall heat conductivity of the whole structure. Moreover, comparing with experimental data, it indicates that the theoretical model of heat conductivity for FGMRs provides a reasonably accurate prediction. Therefore, an appropriate gradient design solution for FGMR holds a great application potential in different thermal protection fields.