Thermal conductivity of functionally graded Fe–Cu–C alloy processed by liquid phase sintering and carburization

Abstract Thermal conductivity of a functionally graded Fe–Cu–C alloy prepared by liquid phase sintering and the subsequent carburization was investigated. The formation of the graded structure and its characterization are briefly reviewed, and the thermal conductivity of the graded compact is analyzed by Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method. A microstructure model in which ellipsoidal copper particles are embedded in the iron matrix was employed. The thermal conductivity was calculated for directions parallel and perpendicular to carburization as functions of the size, aspect ratio, and volume fraction of the copper particles. The predicted values were in good agreement with the experimental results. The present analysis will give a good guide for the practical application of this material.