Microscale flows and microscale heat transfer

Summary

These projects employ our advanced micro-particle-imaging velocimetry (m-PIV) diagnostics to study flow and heat transfer processes; we use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to understand these results and develop generalised approaches to the design of microchannel heat transfer devices.

Supervisor(s)

Associate Professor David Fletcher, Emeritus Professor Brian Haynes

Research Location

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Program Type

N/A

Synopsis

The development of microstructured heat exchangers has provided exciting new methods for improving heat transfer performance and effectiveness in many areas, ranging from cooling of computer chips to process heating in large-scale systems. We have a number of projects in this area, including studies of: laminar and turbulent single-phase flows in complex passages with a view to developing optimal passage geometries; boiling heat transfer, exploring fundamental mechanisms of vapour generation; and condensation heat transfer.

Keywords

microchannels; microstructured systems; microPIV; CFD; thermofluids; mircrofluids

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 377

Other opportunities with Associate Professor David Fletcher

• Microscale Process Engineering

Other opportunities with Emeritus Professor Brian Haynes

• Development of a highly compact, highly efficient steam boiler
• Process intensification for scaleable chemical production
• Fuels and chemicals from biomass
• Catalytic micro-combustion
• Microkinetic modelling of catalytic processes
• Microscale Process Engineering