Materials in Thermal Engineering
Material selection is fundamental to thermal design. Conductivity, weight, cost, and manufacturability all play a role in choosing the right material for a cooling solution.
Common Thermal Materials
| Material | k (W/m·K) | Density (g/cm³) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (C110) | 390 | 8.9 | Best conductor, heavy, expensive |
| Aluminum (6061) | 167 | 2.7 | Lightweight, easy to machine |
| Graphite (in-plane) | 300–1500 | 1.5–2.2 | Anisotropic, excellent spreader |
| AlSiC | 170–200 | 3.0 | CTE-matched to silicon |
| Diamond composite | 500–2000 | 3.5 | Exotic, ultra-high performance |
Selection Criteria
- Thermal conductivity (bulk and directional)
- CTE match to adjacent components
- Weight constraints (aerospace, mobile)
- Machinability and manufacturing method
- Corrosion resistance and surface finish