Source code for RCAIDE.Library.Attributes.Materials.Polyurethane_Foam
# RCAIDE/Library/Attributes/Solids/Polyurethane_Foam.py
#
# Created: Aug 2025, S. Shekar
#
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Imports
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from RCAIDE.Framework.Core import Units
from .Solid import Solid
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# Polyurethane Foam
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[docs]
class Polyurethane_Foam(Solid):
"""
A class representing polyurethane foam material properties, primarily used
as lightweight insulation and core filler in aerospace and engineering
applications.
Attributes
----------
density : float
Material density in kg/m³ (32).
thermal_conductivity : float
Heat conduction coefficient in W/(m·K) (0.022).
specific_heat_capacity : float
Specific heat at constant pressure in J/(kg·K). Typical values for
rigid polyurethane foams are ~1400 J/(kg·K) (not explicitly set here).
compressive_strength : float
Compressive stress limit in Pa. Usually ranges from 200–400 kPa for
rigid polyurethane foams (not set by default).
tensile_strength : float
Tensile stress limit in Pa. Typically low for foams (not set by default).
minimum_gage_thickness : float
Minimum manufacturable thickness in meters (default 0.0).
Notes
-----
Polyurethane foam is commonly used in thermal protection systems, cryogenic
insulation, sandwich panel cores, and vibration damping components. Its
very low density and thermal conductivity make it ideal for aerospace
insulation, but its structural strength is limited compared to metals and
composites.
**Definitions**
'Thermal Conductivity'
Measure of a material’s ability to conduct heat, expressed in watts per
meter-kelvin.
'Foam Density'
Mass per unit volume of the foam, a key factor determining thermal and
mechanical performance.
References
----------
[1] Ashby, M. F., & Jones, D. R. H. (2012). *Engineering Materials 2:
An Introduction to Microstructures, Processing and Design*.
Elsevier.
[2] NASA Glenn Research Center. "Foam Insulation for Aerospace Applications."
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/technology/Foam.html
"""
def __defaults__(self):
"""
Sets material properties at instantiation.
Parameters
----------
None
Returns
-------
None
Notes
-----
* Uses typical values for rigid polyurethane foam of density ~32 kg/m³.
* Mechanical strength values are not explicitly defined here but can
be added for structural analysis.
"""
self.density = 32 * Units['kg/(m**3)']
self.thermal_conductivity = 0.022
