køleprofil

A køleprofil, or cooling profile, is the temperature versus time history of a material, product, or component as it cools from an elevated temperature to a target or ambient condition. It describes how rapidly heat is removed and how the temperature changes across the object during the cooling process. In Danish technical contexts, the term is used in engineering, manufacturing, and quality control to characterize thermal performance.

Cooling profiles are crucial in several industries. In metal heat treatment, the profile influences phase transformations, mechanical properties, hardness, and residual stresses. In polymer processing, the profile affects crystallinity, material orientation, dimensional stability, and surface finish. In electronics and energy storage, controlled cooling helps prevent thermal shock and enhances reliability. In the food industry, cooling profiles impact texture, moisture distribution, and safety.

Measurement and control of cooling profiles rely on temperature sensors such as thermocouples, infrared devices, or embedded probes to record temperature over time. Data are used to monitor, model, and adjust cooling, via fans, chillers, quenching media, or environmental conditions. Designers may employ analytical calculations, simulations, or empirical testing to establish desired profiles, often using linear, exponential, or staged cooling approaches.

Factors influencing the cooling profile include the material’s thermal properties (conductivity, diffusivity, specific heat), geometry and surface condition, initial temperature, cooling medium and flow, and ambient conditions. A well-designed profile minimizes defects, controls microstructure, and optimizes production time and energy use, while a poorly managed profile can cause thermal shock, cracking, warping, or undesirable phase formation.