Within IRDL, Jad Houssein has developed an innovative method for measuring the thermal diffusivity of liquid metals at high temperatures.
Jad Houssein, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Thermal diffusivity is a key parameter in the field of materials, directly influencing the performance of metals in various industrial applications. Indeed, a material's ability to conduct heat is essential to ensure its efficiency in environments where temperatures can reach extreme levels. Jad Houssein's thesis, defended at the Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne, addresses a crucial issue: the measurement of thermal diffusivity of liquid metals at extreme temperatures, often exceeding 1,500°C. This issue is of paramount importance for the metallurgical industry, where precise data can optimize manufacturing processes and improve product quality.
It is essential to understand that the lack of reliable data on the thermal diffusivity of liquid metals has long been a barrier to innovation in this sector. Traditional measurement methods, often based on physical contacts, are not suitable for the extreme conditions encountered when handling liquid metals. For example, in the case of aluminum or steel melting, measuring thermal diffusivity is crucial to avoid defects in cast parts, which can lead to significant economic losses. This is where the methodology developed by Houssein comes into play, which relies on an innovative experimental device and a mathematical model that allows estimating thermal diffusivity without contact.
This approach not only provides accurate measurements but also ensures data integrity in high-temperature environments. By integrating an identification process based on minimizing the discrepancies between experimental data and theoretical simulations, this thesis paves the way for significant advancements in the field of materials. This could also have profound implications for other sectors, such as aerospace and automotive, where thermal management is crucial for component performance.
The results of this research are of considerable scope. In 2021, the foundry industry in Europe produced 10.7 million tons of cast parts, while the value of this industry in the United States amounted to 50 billion dollars. These figures illustrate the enormous economic potential of a better understanding of the thermal diffusivity of liquid metals. In West Africa, where the metallurgical industry is rapidly expanding, advancements in this field could also stimulate economic growth and create new jobs.
It is therefore recommended to adopt the flash method for measuring the thermal diffusivity of liquid metals at high temperatures. This method, which uses heat pulses to measure a material's thermal response, could revolutionize the way data is collected and analyzed in this field. Furthermore, additional research should be conducted to develop methods suited to these extreme conditions. For example, exploring new materials or new measurement techniques could also enrich the existing body of knowledge.
By investing in these technologies, the metallurgical industry can enhance its competitiveness and foster innovation in the field of materials. This could also encourage collaborations between universities and industry, thereby transferring academic knowledge to practical applications. In summary, Jad Houssein's thesis is not merely an academic study but represents a true springboard for the future of the metallurgical industry, both in Europe and in West Africa.
Données clés
- 10,7 millions de tonnes : production de pièces moulées par l'industrie de la fonderie en Europe en 2021
- 50 milliards de dollars : valeur de l'industrie de la fonderie aux États-Unis
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Sources et accès
Jad Houssein. Estimation de la diffusivité thermique des métaux liquides, sans contact et à très haute température. Thermique [physics.class-ph]. Université de Bretagne Sud, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024LORIS704⟩. ⟨tel-05106838⟩