heat dissapation
 

Do all rc grades and types of aluminum dissapate heat similarly? I have some cast probably 5xxx grade that I want to use to transfer heat away from my motor is that just as good as the higher grades at heat transfer?

Thanks,
Zack

The thermal conductivity of aluminum depends on alloy and temper. For 1350-H19, it is about 0.56 callcm2/cml OC/sec. whereas for alloys of lower electrical conductivity, it is less. For 6063-T6, it is about 0.48. For copper, it is about 0.98.

copied from....

http://www.aluminum.org/AM/CM/Conten...usePreview=Yes

So the higher grades don't do as well? This is somewhat structural as well. That link isn't working on my smart phone. Thanks for the explanation but I am not following well. I know I need to research this. I k.ow virtually nothing about temper.

I beleive pure silver is the best for heatsinking but is not used in a lot of situations due to cost of the raw product. Copper is the next best thing and is largely used. Closely followed by standard alu which is also largely used. All other metals come in behind these for thermal conductivity including brass which is actually rather poor in comparison to copper or alu.

Copper is very good at absorbing heat, alu is very good at dissapating heat as a rule of thumb given the same mass and surface area. Mass and surface area are really the critical points when it comes to heatsinking. If it was me I would make (whatever) out of alu because it is easy and cheap to get. Start with quite a large mass and make as many fins as practically possible with out weakening the structural points.

Another thing that might be worth mentioning is the more snug the fit the better, try not to rely on thermal paste to fill in gaps. Make it from a single peice too, the more direct the path for heat to travel the more effective.

Hope I helped somewhat:smile:

You gotta keep em dissipated

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Try this one. It's not a white paper & provides figures expressed as %

http://www.engineersedge.com/properties_of_metals.htm

Not as high brow as bruce750i's info but is a reasonable guide