Molecular dynamics simulation on the out-of plane thermal conductivity of argon crystal thin films

Part of results of research on satellite heat control under the Harvest Project of the National 973 Program is reported. In accordance with the 'minimized nucleus' requirement of the satellite, the thermal conductivity of the dielectric FCC argon-crystal nano-film in the normal direction is predicted using the equilibrium molecular dynamic (EMD) and non-equilibrium molecular dynamic (NEMD) methods. The calculated results are compared with the experimental value of the bulk crystal. Our calculation shows that the thermal conductivity of the thin film is much lower than that of its bulk counterpart, and the size-effect is significant; it increases nearly linearly with increasing thickness in the thickness range of 2.124-5.310 nm.