......Titanium is a poor conductor of heat, so it limits the performance of a flashlight.
.........
-Ed
I won't get into my justifications for Ti over any other material because I don't need to convince myself of what they are and I am too biased to be believed by others. Plus I don't feel like joining in on another groundhog's day event. :nana:
I quoted the above though because on the face of it, this seems like a good point but the more I consider the situation the more I question the validity of this point. The heat generated by the light has to go somewhere and anything that impedes is dissipation causes buildup and back pressure all the way back to the source if I may use illustrative terms that are not the proper terms for the physics involved.
Ti does have much higher resistance to thermal flow than aluminum. However once the heat gets to the surface and perimeter of the light, it needs to go beyond or you have the temperature elevate. In a flashlight, this heat needs to leave either through the air or one's hand. What is the thermal resistance of the air or a hand compared to Ti? I believe it is significantly worse.
There are many things that limit the performance of a flashlight as well as tax the components within. I think it safe to state that Ti will tax a light more than Al will but as to the end performance and health of the light, I think one needs to consider many other possibly more significant factors. Is Ti inadequate in a role as a host for a LED light engine? Not to my knowledge or experience so far. Is it ideal in terms of thermal conductivity. No. Would I personally choose it over other materials with all things considered? Yes. Am I aware of any benefits in Ti? For me, most certainly.
In regards to thermodynamics, I consider myself rather blind. I don't suggest anyone follow me. On the other hand, I chose not to follow others blindly either. :nana: In the absence of clear understanding I rely on experience and I trust my experience over mere speculation.
I am the expert in my armchair but that doesn't qualify me for much.