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01:27Thermal expansion and Thermal stress: Problem Solving
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is exposed to temperatures ranging from -15 °C to 40 °C. At its coldest, the main span of the bridge is 1275 m long. Assuming that the bridge is made entirely of steel, what is the change in its length between these temperatures?
To solve the problem, first, identify the known and unknown quantities. The initial length (L) of the bridge is 1275 m, the coefficient of linear expansion (α) for steel is 12 x 10-6/°C, and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 55 °C.
To solve the problem, first, identify the known and unknown quantities. The initial length (L) of the bridge is 1275 m, the coefficient of linear expansion (α) for steel is 12 x 10-6/°C, and the change in temperature (ΔT) is 55 °C.
01:20Mechanisms of Heat Transfer II
In convection, thermal energy is carried by the large-scale flow of matter. Ocean currents and large-scale atmospheric circulation, which result from the buoyancy of warm air and water, transfer hot air from the tropics toward the poles and cold air from the poles toward the tropics. The Earth’s rotation interacts with those flows, causing the observed eastward flow of air in the temperate zones. Convection dominates heat transfer by air, and the amount of available space for the airflow...
01:14Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Heat transfer between the human body and its environment occurs through four main mechanisms: conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation.
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant heat.
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant heat.
01:19Mechanism of heat transfer
Understanding heat transfer mechanisms is essential for understanding how our bodies maintain balance in different environmental conditions. When the environment is thermoneutral, the body is in a state of balance, neither using nor releasing energy to maintain its core temperature. However, when the environment is not thermoneutral, the body employs four heat transfer mechanisms to maintain homeostasis: conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. These mechanisms facilitate heat...
01:14Mechanisms of Heat Transfer I
Just as interesting as the effects of heat transfer on a system are the methods by which the heat transfer occur. Whenever there is a temperature difference, heat transfer occurs. It may occur rapidly, such as through a cooking pan, or slowly, such as through the walls of a picnic ice box. So many processes involve heat transfer that it is hard to imagine a situation where no heat transfer occurs. Yet, every heat transfer takes place by only three methods: conduction, convection, and radiation.
01:09Thermal Stress
If the temperature of an object is changed while it is prevented from expanding or contracting, the object is subjected to stress. The stress is compressive if the object expands in the absence of constraint and tensile if it contracts. This stress resulting from temperature change is known as thermal stress. It can be quite large and can cause damage. To avoid this stress, engineers may design components so they can expand and contract freely. For instance, on highways, gaps are deliberately...
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Dynamic Polymer Networks: A Design Platform for Adaptive Thermal Management.
Jiajia Yang1, Ziman Zheng1, Xinhong Xiong2
1Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|July 10, 2026
Summary
Dynamic polymer networks (DPNs) offer adaptable, recyclable thermal management solutions. These materials enable on-demand control of heat transport and improved interfaces, supporting sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Thermal Engineering
Background:
- Dynamic polymer networks (DPNs) combine thermoset robustness with stimuli-responsiveness, reprocessability, and recyclability.
- Conventional thermal management materials lack adaptability, recyclability, and often exhibit poor interfacial performance.
- DPNs offer a promising alternative for advanced thermal management applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a systematic overview of recent advances in DPN-based thermal management materials.
- To explore DPNs for switchable thermal conductivity, adaptive thermal interfaces, and dynamic radiative cooling.
- To discuss the role of reversible chemistry in enabling tunable thermal properties and recyclability.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on DPNs for thermal management.
- Analysis of how reversible bond exchange influences material properties (chain conformation, filler networks, interfaces).
- Discussion of technological pathways: switchable conductivity, adaptive interfaces, and radiative cooling.
Main Results:
- Reversible bond exchange allows molecular-level control over heat transport properties.
- DPNs enable on-demand thermal conductivity switching and reduced contact resistance.
- Dynamic modulation of radiative cooling and enhanced interfacial conformability are achievable.
Conclusions:
- DPNs provide a versatile platform for intelligent, sustainable thermal management systems.
- Recyclability of DPNs supports circular economy principles through repair and reshaping.
- Future directions include addressing stability, response speed, and scalable manufacturing for multifunctional DPNs.