Identifier

etd-07082013-020113

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on improving the functionality of metal-based microchannel heat exchangers (MHEs), as well as pushing this technology toward real-world applications. Design optimization was carried out on MHEs for performance maximization. Double-layered microchannel layout was experimentally studied, and a significant reduction on liquid flow pressure drop penalty was achieved. Other than water, another commonly-used coolant, ethylene glycol, was applied to MHEs, and flow and heat transfer characteristics were quantified. Transient Liquid Phase (TLP) bonding was used for joining Cu structures. For further understanding of the MHE heat transfer, a detailed examination was carried out on the TLP bonding interface region. In real applications, an MHE is likely to work with a heat rejection device. Therefore, further study was done on MHEs in the context of a close-loop recirculating-liquid cooling system. An alternative roll molding method suitable for continuous fabrication of metal-based microchannel arrays was studied. This technology may serve as an enabler for large-scale manufacturing of metal-based microchannel devices in an economical fashion.

Date

2013

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Meng, Wen Jin

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.1879

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