Conjugate heat transfer in lattice frame materials based on novel unit cell topologies

Abstract

This article presents conjugate heat transfer characteristics of strut-based sandwich-type configurations obtained through reticulation of unit cell topologies of Tetrakaidecahedron, Octet and Rhombic dodecahedron shapes (porosity ∼0.90) with water as working fluid. Tetrakaidecahedron lattice exhibited the highest overall heat transfer coefficient, followed by Octet and Rhombic dodecahedron, respectively. Pressure drop was the highest for Octet, followed by Rhombic dodecahedron, and Tetrakaidecahedron, respectively. Thickness of struts in contact with endwall played a dominant role in conjugate thermal exchange of sandwich configurations. For the investigated conditions, Tetrakaidecahedron-shape based lattice provided the least thermal resistance value at any given pumping power condition.

Keywords:

• Enhanced heat transfer
• forced convection
• octet