Heat conductivity and permeability of aluminium foam

Abstract

Aluminium foam is a material that structured by porous medium with certain characteristics such as good energy absorption, high heat conductivity and good heat transfer. These characteristics that aluminium metal foam provides, can be used in wide range of applications such as on heat exchanger, automotive and etc. The aim of this study is to evaluate the heat conductivity and permeability of the aluminium foam. The porosity of aluminium foam produced by NaCl replication are ranging from 60% to 75%. Besides, simulation by CFD software were carried out to compare with the effect of pore structure on heat conductivity and to determine the heat flux. At the end of the study, the heat conductivity value and permeability of experimental and analysis were identified. The value of heat conductivity k of aluminium foam is better compared to solid aluminium when the temperature increased. The permeability of the aluminium foam is dependent on the porosity of the aluminium foam. Higher porosity resulting to a higher rate of permeability.