Thermal Characterisation
Detailed knowledge of the performance of materials with temperature is critical in many industries. Our suite of thermal charaterisation equipment give our customers confidence in their parts, and allows them to optimise processing parameters.
About Thermal Characterisation
Thermal characterisation investigates how a material's properties change with temperature, which is essential for predicting performance in real-world applications, especially in extreme environments. This capability is a dedicated component of the Imaging and Characterisation theme at the Henry Royce Institute and the University of Sheffield.
Key techniques available include Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA), which combines Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to measure mass change and heat flow. Furthermore, instruments like the Laser Flash Analyser (LFA) are used to precisely determine thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity across a wide temperature range, essential for heat transfer applications. This sophisticated suite is critical for research into Advanced Metals Processing and Nuclear Materials, ensuring materials can withstand high thermal loads and corrosive conditions. The ability to perform detailed thermal analysis is vital for optimising new material formulations and validating their long-term stability.
Key Equipment
| Equipment | Location | Expert Lead |
|---|---|---|
| Dilatometry | Basic Characterisation Lab (RDC) | Maciej Myszczynski |
| Light Flash Analyser | Basic Characterisation Lab (RDC) | Maciej Myszczynski |
| Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (DSC/TGA) | Basic Characterisation Lab (RDC) | Maciej Myszczynski |
| Thermomechanical Compression (TMC) | Thermomechanical Processing Lab (Hadfield) | Dr. Will Pulfrey |
Key Case Studies
Enquiries
All enquiries regarding access can be made via email to royce@sheffield.ac.uk
Further information about Equipment Access Schemes and Subsidies can be found here.