Governing equations for effective thermal conductivity of composites with coated short fibers

Governing equations for the effective thermal conductivities of composites with aligned-coated short fibers are derived in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. The results of composites with the coating of a constant or linear thermal conductivity are predicted and compared with those by representative models. For the latter, the predictions are the same as those by using the average thermal conductivity of the coating. The equations are also applicable to a wide range of fiber geometry by changing its aspect ratio. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.