Electrohydrodynamics of boiling on microstructured surfaces for space applications
Abstract
Surface wettability is a major parameter in boiling heat transfer. It affects the departure of bubbles from the boiling surface and consequently determines the maximum heat flux transferrable in safe conditions, known as critical heat flux (CHF). Surface wettability can be enhanced through passive techniques, including micro-engineered surfaces and coatings, or through active techniques, e.g. by applying a tunable electric field (electrowetting) that modifies the bubble shape in such a way as to drive bubble detachment. The latter technique is particularly interesting for space applications, where the electric field is used to create a body force that compensates for the absence of gravity. The present work is focused on boiling heat transfer on surfaces whose wettability has been modified by passive and active techniques. We have built a pool boiling apparatus composed of a micro-structured heater acting as boiling surface and an axisymmetric electrode High-speed optical and infrared imaging have been used to investigate the dynamics of boiling phenomena. The aims of this project are twofold: to achieve a superior understanding of wetting phenomena, and to improve the efficiency of cooling devices for space applications.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016APS..DFDD21004S