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Description:
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As technological advances occur , many conventional materials are incapable of providing the unique multi -functional characteristics demanded thus driving an accelerated focus to create new material systems such as carbon and graphite foams . The improvement of their mechanical stiffness and strength , and tailoring of thermal and electrical conductivities are two areas of multi -functionality with active interest and investment by researchers . The present research focuses on developing models to facilitate and assess multi -functional carbon foams in an effort to expand knowledge . The foundation of the models relies on a unique approach to finite element meshing which captures the morphology of carbon foams . The developed models also include ligament anisotropy and coatings to provide comprehensive information to guide processing researchers in their pursuit of tailorable performance . Several illustrations are undertaken at multiple scales to explore the response of multi -functional carbon foams under coupled field environments providing valuable insight for design engineers in emerging technologies . The illustrations highlight the importance of individual moduli in the anisotropic stiffness matrix as well as the impact of common processing defects when tailoring the bulk stiffness . Furthermore , complete coating coverage and quality interface conditions are critical when utilizing copper to improve thermal and electrical conductivity of carbon foams . |