Characterization of Active Cooling and Flow Distribution in Microvascular Polymers

Abstract

Two-and three-dimensional microvascular networks embedded within a polymer fin were fabricated via direct write assembly to demonstrate cooling potential of vascular polymer structures. Thin fin cooling experiments were carried out utilizing water and polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil-based coolant as the working fluids. The surface temperature of the fin was monitored using an infrared camera and flow distribution within the network was evaluated by microscopic particle image velocimetry. The effective heat transfer coefficient was increased 53-fold at low Reynolds number for water cooling in both 2D and 3D geometries. However, 3D architectures offer more uniform flow distribution and the ability to efficiently adapt to blockages and reroute flow within the network. Microvascular materials are excellent candidates for compact, efficient cooling platforms for a variety of applications and 3D architectures offer unique performance enhancements.

Retention of mechanical performance of polymer matrix composites above the glass transition temperature by vascular cooling

“…Subjecting a composite to high temperature, even for short time periods, can cause permanent damage, including delamination, matrix cracking, plastic deformation, and ultimately combustion and fire [10][11][12][13]. As an alternative, circulation of coolant through microvascular channels embedded directly into the PMC can regulate temperature by removing heat [14][15][16], potentially enabling safe structural performance under high thermomechanical loading.…”

Optimisation of an air film cooled CFRP panel with an embedded vascular network

“…This study was developed by Williams (2010) to include structural and thermal analysis [10]. Kozola (2010) explored the use of composite material for a fin with an internal vascular network using water or oil as the coolant. Additionally, a one-dimensional numerical heat transfer model of the fin surface was developed [11].…”

“…Kozola (2010) explored the use of composite material for a fin with an internal vascular network using water or oil as the coolant. Additionally, a one-dimensional numerical heat transfer model of the fin surface was developed [11]. Quantifying the overall efficiency of a component containing an internal vascular network is an important question and in their work, Pierce andPhillips (2010, 2011) included a mechanical evaluation of a panel containing vascular cooling networks [12,13].…”

Research on Self-healing Composite Materials

“…Kozola et al [19,20] have also used DIW to make networks for active-cooling by creating thin fin polymer specimens with embedded channels with varying network geometries. Using infrared imaging, the researchers examine the effects of flow rate, channel diameter,dimensionality, and cooling fluid on the transition from the heated specimen in theabsence of flow to the steady-state regime with flow as well as the effectiveness of steady-statecooling.…”