Thermal Characterization of Defense Materials

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UKY/CAER) has been actively involved in research areas of critical strategic importance to numerous DoD missions. UKY/CAER has developed a unique set of research and characterization/testing capabilities to support various DoD initiatives. Particularly, research efforts focus on carbon fiber, carbon fiber composites, carbon nanotubes, thermal management, ablative and high-temperature materials, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness testing, to name a few. Further, we have trained numerous students in DoD-relevant research areas. The instrument is a benchtop laser flash apparatus (LFA), with the capability to measure thermal diffusivity of materials from -150 °C up to 200 °C. This instrument is crucial for the characterization of novel defense materials which operate in extreme environments. This instrument allows for efficient, low-temperature probing of materials on projects for DoD and defense contractors. Specifically, the LFA instrument will be used to measure thermal diffusivity/conductivity of solids and liquids. This instrument is paramount to the success of our current and proposed DoD research efforts.