A heat exchanger, using mechanically compressed microporous matrices, is being developed for cooling high power electronics. The thermal efficiency of this new device depends on the hydraulic characteristics (porosity φ, permeability K, and Forchheimer coefficient cF) of the matrix inserted in it. These quantities have to be obtained experimentally as predictive models do not exist. Twenty-eight compressed matrices are initially chosen for experimental testing. Based on structural requirements, nine matrices are selected for full hydraulic characterization. The determination of permeability and inertia coefficient of each matrix is performed following a proposed direct methodology based on the curve fitting of the experimental results. This methodology is found to yield more consistent and accurate results than existing methods. The uncertainty of the experimental results is evaluated with a new and general procedure that can be applied to any curve fitting technique. Results indicate that the tested matrices have a unique characteristic, that of a relatively wide porosity range, from 0.3 to 0.7, within a relatively narrow permeability range, from 1.0 × 10−10 m2 to 12 × 10−10 m2. The inertia coefficient varies from 0.3 to 0.9. These hydraulic characteristics lead to a microporous heat exchanger performing within requirements.
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June 1997
Research Papers
Experimental Determination of Permeability and Inertia Coefficients of Mechanically Compressed Aluminum Porous Matrices
B. V. Antohe,
B. V. Antohe
Mechanical Engineering Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275-0337
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J. L. Lage,
J. L. Lage
Mechanical Engineering Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275-0337
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D. C. Price,
D. C. Price
Aero-Thermal Technology Branch, Defense Systems & Electronic Group, Texas Instruments, Plano, TX 75086-9305
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R. M. Weber
R. M. Weber
Advanced Programs Division, Defense Systems & Electronic Group, Texas Instruments, Plano, TX 75086-9305
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B. V. Antohe
Mechanical Engineering Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275-0337
J. L. Lage
Mechanical Engineering Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275-0337
D. C. Price
Aero-Thermal Technology Branch, Defense Systems & Electronic Group, Texas Instruments, Plano, TX 75086-9305
R. M. Weber
Advanced Programs Division, Defense Systems & Electronic Group, Texas Instruments, Plano, TX 75086-9305
J. Fluids Eng. Jun 1997, 119(2): 404-412 (9 pages)
Published Online: June 1, 1997
Article history
Received:
January 19, 1996
Revised:
December 4, 1996
Online:
December 4, 2007
Citation
Antohe, B. V., Lage, J. L., Price, D. C., and Weber, R. M. (June 1, 1997). "Experimental Determination of Permeability and Inertia Coefficients of Mechanically Compressed Aluminum Porous Matrices." ASME. J. Fluids Eng. June 1997; 119(2): 404–412. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2819148
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