Characterization of Active Cooling and Flow Distribution in Microvascular Polymers

Two- and three-dimensional microvascular networks embedded within a polymerfin were fabricated via direct write assembly to demonstrate cooling potential of vascularpolymer 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 finwas monitored using an infrared camera and flow distribution within the network was evaluatedby microscopic particle image velocimetry. The effective heat transfer coefficient wasincreased 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 efficientlyadapt to blockages and reroute flow within the network. Microvascular materials are excellentcandidates for compact, efficient cooling platforms for a variety of applications and 3D architecturesoffer unique performance enhancements. JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES , 21, 01 Jan 0001, 01 Jan 0001,