Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams are typical thermal insulation materials widely used in different areas. The equivalent thermal conductivity of rigid polyurethane foams is closely related to the microstructures. Based on the SEM photographs of different rigid polyurethane foams, experimental tests and analysis results, the quantitative relationship between the thermal conductivity of rigid polyurethane foams and microscopic factors was studied by the Lattice Boltzmann numerical simulation method. Based on the results, an optimized scheme for the thermal insulation properties of rigid polyurethane foams was proposed.

Key words: Rigid polyurethane foam, Equivalent thermal conductivity, Numerical simulation, Pore size, Porosity