Analysis of intumescent system: Model and experimentation

Intumescent paints used in the context of thermal protection are an attractive alternative to usual insulating materials. In order to avoid damages induced by strong heat fluxes, their behavior has to be investigated. In such a way, based on physical considerations, a mathematical model has been developed. Relations between materials thermo physical parameters, physical system inputs, initial conditions are exposed in order to estimate the evolution of the system states: temperature spatial distribution and mass losses. The model structure has been validated considering experimentations performed with the Main Solar Furnace. A sensitivity analysis has pointed out key parameters which have to be accurately identified. Then, an identification methodology is investigated.