Thesis
Design of actively-cooled microvascular composites: a parametric study on thermophysical properties
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001127
Abstract
Microvascular networks in composite panels contain channels to circulate fluid allowing the composites to be used for thermal management, electrical applications, and self-healing. Microvascular networks are a useful design for actively-cooled heat transfer applications. Microvascular composites have been simulated to look at the impact of cooling channels under a variety of thermal conditions. For active-cooling applications, optimization frameworks have been developed using shape optimization, Hybrid Shape/Topology optimization, and topology optimization. Although many developments have been made to the physical modeling and optimization of microvascular composites, no studies set out to analyze the impact of thermophysical properties on the optimized design on microchannel locations in microvascular composites for active-cooling applications. To address this gap, this work performs a series of parametric studies on different properties to see the effect they have on optimized designs. The parametric studies utilize a gradient based topology optimization based on a geometrical reduced order model. The parametric studies include varying the composite host material, coolant mass flow rate, inlet temperature, and coolant type. The optimized designs from the parametric studies provide a groundwork for scientists designing microvascular networks for cooling applications, with the results deviating from much of the commonly used geometry of microvascular networks.
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Details
- Title
- Design of actively-cooled microvascular composites
- Creators
- Marykate R. Dugan
- Contributors
- Ahmad Raeisi Najafi (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 46 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Engineering (1970-2026); Mechanical Engineering (and Mechanics) (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991018527102004721