Achievement

An interdisciplinary team of mechanical engineers and instrument scientists led by Profs. H. B. Ma and R. A. Winholtz has used neutron imaging techniques to study the fluid flow and heat transfer mechanisms in oscillating heat pipes (OHPs). Because OHPs are able to conduct heat up to 80 times better than copper, these devices hold great promise for removing excess heat generated in a variety of commonly used electronic devices including computers and lasers. The team has used neutron imaging techniques to observe thermally-excited oscillating motion through metallic walls without disturbing fluid flow inside the OHP [1]. Their results will help in the design of highly efficient OHP heat spreaders for cooling electronic components.

1. I. Yoon, H. B. Ma, and R. A. Winholtz, “Effects of Liquid Fraction and Vapor Volume on the Oscillating Temperature in an Oscillating Heat Pipe Using Neutron Imaging,” Heat Transfer Research 44, 43-57 (2013).