Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze heat transfer characteristics of cavitated-core polymer films. The effects of thickness and composition on the insulative properties of thin polymer films were studied. Two experimental tests were developed to measure the heat transfer rate through a variety of thin films. One test apparatus was used to study convective and radiative effects while the second was used to study the conductive effects. A finite element model of a frozen food commodity wrapped in an insulative thin film was developed. Transient simulations were performed for the dynamic characterization of thermal wave propagation across the film layer. This model was then used to compare insulative properties associated with various packaging films . Experiments established that radiation effects are very significant in the freezer environment. Experiments also verified that cavitated-core films were more insulative than solid films. Modeling results illustrated that thickness and conductivity of a thin film only have insulative significance when exposed to a purely conductive environment.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Plastic films--Thermal properties

Publication Date

1991

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Torok, Joseph

Advisor/Committee Member

Ogut, Ali

Advisor/Committee Member

Nye, Alan

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TP1183.F5 S92 1991

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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