ECCOMAS 2024

Inverse analysis for assessing the thermophysical properties of cork at elevated temperatures

  • Bicelli, Antonio (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa)
  • Cantor, Pedro (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa)
  • Arruda, Mário (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa)
  • Duarte, Antonio (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa)
  • Tiago, Carlos (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa)
  • Branco, Fernando (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, ULisboa)
  • Trindade, Joanna (Amorim Cork Composites)

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This research undertakes an assessment of the cork thermophysical properties by analysing a panel exposed to the ISO–834 nominal fire curve within a controlled industrial furnace. The investigation includes the monitoring the temperature at several layers throughout the testing procedure. An inverse analysis is then carried out in order to determine the temperature-dependent specific heat and thermal conductivity of cork. Subsequently, a thermal transient non-linear analysis is conducted using a two-dimensional numerical model that employs the convectional finite element method. The numerical simulation uses adiabatic, convection and radiation boundary conditions in modelling heat transfer on the surface exposed to fire. In conclusion, the assessment of cork as a fire-resistant material showcases promising attributes.