Thermal Properties Characterization Using Laser Flash Analysis: A Review
Abstract
Laser flash analysis (LFA) has emerged as a pivotal technique for measuring thermal diffusivity and related transport properties of materials across diverse applications. This comprehensive review examines the evolution, methodologies, and empirical applications of LFA in characterizing thermal transport phenomena. Through systematic analysis of 150 research studies spanning 2010-2024, we evaluate the effectiveness of LFA techniques across various material systems including ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites. Our empirical investigation reveals that LFA demonstrates exceptional accuracy with measurement uncertainties typically below 5% for homogeneous materials, while composite materials exhibit higher variability (8-12%). The analysis encompasses temperature-dependent measurements ranging from cryogenic conditions (-196°C) to high-temperature applications (1500°C), revealing critical insights into thermal transport mechanisms. Statistical analysis of measurement precision indicates that modern LFA systems achieve reproducibility within ±2% for standard reference materials. The review identifies emerging trends in multi-layered systems analysis, nanostructured materials characterization, and real-time monitoring applications. Comparative analysis with alternative thermal characterization methods demonstrates LFA's superior performance in rapid, non-destructive evaluation of thermal properties. This work provides a comprehensive database of thermal diffusivity values across material categories and establishes benchmark standards for future research applications.
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References
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