Thermal straps are flexible conductive links designed to transfer heat, typically up to a few hundred watts, between components in thermal management systems. Made from materials with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, or advanced composites, thermal straps prevent overheating by efficiently dissipating heat away from sensitive areas. These straps are particularly useful in systems exposed to movement (e.g., laser or optical systems), vibration (e.g., spacecraft), or thermal expansion.
Benefits of Thermal Straps
Thermal straps offer several key advantages:
- Lightweight compared to solid metal alternatives.
- Adaptable for use in cramped or irregular spaces.
- Reliable performance at extremely low temperatures, such as in cryogenic environments.
Types of Thermal Straps
Thermal straps come in various designs to suit specific applications, each with unique advantages:
Braided Thermal Straps
- Material: Braided or woven metal fibers, usually copper or aluminum.
- Advantages: High flexibility and ease of installation.
- Applications: Ideal for connecting stationary heat sources to floating heat sinks.
Braided Thermal Straps Efficiently Manage Movement in Any Direction.
Metallic Thermal Straps
- Material: Solid sheets of copper or aluminum.
- Advantages: Higher heat transfer capacity compared to braided straps.
- Trade-Off: Reduced flexibility.
- Applications: Suitable for systems requiring high power transfer.
Metal Thermal Straps. Image: sdl.usus.edu
Composite Thermal Straps
- Material: Advanced composites such as graphite or carbon-based materials.
- Advantages: Thermal conductivity up to five times higher than copper.
- Trade-Off: Higher cost.
- Applications: Used in high-performance systems where weight and flexibility are critical, such as spacecraft or cryogenic systems.
Example: FEA analysis highlights the superior performance of graphene-based thermal straps.
FEA Analysis of Graphene Sheets. Image hps-srl.ro
Thermal straps are indispensable for advanced thermal management systems, offering flexibility, efficiency, and reliability. Whether braided, metallic, or composite, selecting the right type of thermal strap ensures optimal heat dissipation and system performance, even in challenging environments.
