Thermal and acoustical investigation of an innovative brick

The project investigated a completely new geometry for a brick in terms of sound and thermal properties. To assess the thermal properties, high-resolution two-dimensional simulations with finite element software were performed. The geometry provided by the manufacturer was transformed into models capable of simulation. The thermal conductivity of the materials has also been determined according to the manufacturer's specifications. For the simulation of the air chambers, the model of the equivalent thermal conductivity was used.This model is defined in EN ISO 6946 and approximates the effects of heat transport by convection and heat radiation in accordance with a validated model. This method is currently state of the art, a more exact method with a multi-physics approach would require significantly more complex simulations and would involve the establishment of extensive further boundary conditions, which are in some cases difficult to determine. (e.g. surface throatiness, properties of masonry, mortar joint etc.) The used method is sufficiently accurate to assess the thermal quality of the brick and is correspond to the method that is used to calculate the rated values. In order to make clear the exact effects of the sophisticated geometry, a total of four simulation models were calculated. Obtained from this procedure the intended effectiveness of the innovation approach or the reasons for the limited effectiveness could be worked out well. For further optimizations, theoretical estimates of thermal conductivity adjusting the air chamber thickness were developed.