[s-cars] To anodize or not anodize (a FMIC), that is the question!

[mlp]

Yes Dave.  There is at least one old thread on the subject in the archives.
While one can get worn down with the minutia of anodizing aluminum, I think
the simplest answer is to take a look in most any computer with a high end
video card, or at the CPU cooler.  You'll find most aluminum heat sinks have
been anodized.  That said, there are many flavors and forms of anodizing
aluminum, including one, a very thick layered unique industrial process
generally used on door and window frame products that is designed and
intended to provide insulation -- that, however isn't something you're
likely to find in a local anodizer shop.  From what I was able to determine,
anodizing does have a slightly (i.e., in the thicknesses you are likely to
see or use) negative thermal conductive effect, but it's probably less than
the thermal radiation effects of picking the color, and far outweighed by
(a) the protective qualities of the anodized layer (it's related to
sapphire) and (b) an untreated aluminum surface "naturally" oxidizes itself
over time in any event, and the thermal effects of the natural oxidation are
about the same as those of anodizing in any event, .... probably more.

In any event, I've forwarded you a copy of an email exchange with Jim
Nalewick, a materials and heat exchange engineer who was kind enough to try
to help me muddle through the issue.  Please let me know if you come to any
different conclusions Dave.

HTH
Mike 

>-----Original Message-----
>From: s-car-list On Behalf Of Dave Forgie

>For those that know me, I am not a "bling" fan.  As a result, 
>the prospect  of a visibly shiny Tom and Marc FMIC hiding 
>behind my front bumper grills  is a bit disturbing to me.  I 
>have already painted the FMIC  hanger  bracket flat black  
>(header paint).  However, I don't think I want to paint the 
>FMIC itself because I am thinking it would decrease the heat transfer.
>  IF that is true, one option would be to have the FMIC 
>anodized to black.
>  But even then, I am wondering whether that would decrease 
>heat transfer.
>
>Any of you FMIC/physics guys have any thoughts on this?
>
>Dave F.
>