Elektrothermische

Elektrothermisch (electrothermal) describes processes and devices in which electrical energy is converted into thermal energy within a material or system. This conversion is commonly driven by resistive or ohmic heating, where electric current dissipates as heat, but it can also involve dielectric heating or other field-driven heating mechanisms. The resulting temperature rise can be localized or distributed, depending on the geometry, materials, and boundary conditions.

The underlying mechanisms include Joule heating, where power P equals I squared times R, and dielectric or eddy-current heating in non-conductive or magnetic materials exposed to alternating fields. The generated heat induces thermal expansion, phase transitions, chemical reactions, or changes in material properties. In many applications, the thermal response is coupled to mechanical, chemical, or optical effects, enabling multifunctional performance.

Applications of elektrothermische concepts span temperature control, processing, and actuation. Electric heating elements and microheaters use localized heating for polymer curing, soldering, or thermal conditioning. In microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), electrothermal actuators convert electrical energy into precise mechanical motion through differential expansion. Thermal desorption, sensor conditioning, and infrared light generation are other examples. In materials science, controlled heating enables annealing, crystallization, and diffusion studies.

Modeling and measurement typically involve coupled electro-thermal simulations and experiments. Key aspects are electrical resistance distribution, heat generation, heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), and thermal time constants. Validation uses thermocouples, infrared thermography, or embedded sensors to ensure uniformity, safety, and reliability.