What are the differences in thermal lag with composite delamination?

Thermal lag refers to the delay in temperature response of a material when subjected to heat transfer. In composite materials, delamination—where layers separate—can significantly alter thermal lag behavior. Delamination creates air gaps or voids between layers, which act as thermal insulators, reducing heat transfer efficiency. This results in increased thermal lag, as heat takes longer to propagate through the material.

The extent of thermal lag depends on factors like the size and distribution of delaminated areas, the thermal conductivity of the composite layers, and the surrounding environment. For instance, larger delaminated regions amplify thermal lag, while materials with higher thermal conductivity may partially mitigate this effect.

Understanding these differences is crucial for applications where precise thermal management is essential, such as aerospace or automotive industries. Delamination not only affects thermal performance but also compromises structural integrity, making it vital to monitor and address such defects in composite materials.