The melting duration in the photovoltaic/phase-change material (PV/PCM) system is a crucial parameter for thermal energy management such that its improvement can realize better energy management in respect to thermal storage capabilities, thermal conditions, and the lifespan of PV modules. An innovative and efficient technique for improving the melting duration is the inclusion of an exterior metal foam layer in the PV/PCM system. For detailed investigations of utilizing different metal foam configurations in terms of their convective heat transfer coefficients, the present paper proposes a newly developed mathematical model for the PV/PCM–metal foam assembly that can readily be implemented with a wide range of operating condition

The research involves using phenol – formaldehyde (Novolak) resin as matrix for making composite material, while glass fiber type (E) was used as reinforcing materials. The specimen of the composite material is reinforced with (60%) ratio of glass fiber.

      The impregnation method is used in test sample preparation, using molding by pressure presses.

      All samples were exposure to (Co⁶⁰) gamma rays of an average energy (2.5)Mev. The total doses were (208, 312 and 728) KGy.

      The mechanical tests (bending, bending strength, shear force, impact strength and surface indentation) were performed on un irradiated and irrad