Thermal analysis: To prevent material changes in the presence of heat or cold

Knowledge of the thermal behavior of materials is important not only for components that are obviously used at higher temperatures, but already for everyday applications.

Surface temperatures of up to 120 °C can arise from solar radiation alone. In contrast, temperatures as low as -40 °C are possible in winter. In thermal analysis, temperature-dependent changes in the material structure are determined and evaluated. Composite materials and material pairings are particularly at risk in cold and hot conditions, where different thermal properties can lead to various damage phenomena.

For example, in order to optically analyze the thermal changes of materials at fluctuating or extreme temperatures, Fraunhofer ISC's "Center of Device Development CeDeD" develops and manufactures customized thermo-optical measuring systems (TOM).