Optimal microchannel planar reactor as a switchable infrared absorber

Alston, Mark E.

Abstract

This paper will propose methods to use leaf vasculature formations to advance a material to act as an infrared block. The research shows the use of microfluidics based flows to direct the structural assembly of a polymer into a thermally functional material. To manage IR radiation stop-band to lower a polymer device phase transition temperature. This paper will determine this functionality by hierarchical multi microchannel network scaling, to regulate laminar flow rate by analysis as a resistor circuit.

Nature uses vasculature formations to modulate irradiance absorption by laminar fluidic flow, for dehydration and autonomous self-healing surfaces as a photoactive system. This paper will focus specifically on pressure drop characterization, as a method of regulating fluidic flow. This approach will ultimately lead to desired morphology, in a functional material to enhance its ability to capture and store energy. The research demonstrates a resistor conduit network can define flow target resistance, that is determined by iterative procedure and validated by CFD. This algorithm approach, which generates multi microchannel optimization, is achieved through pressure equalization in diminishing flow pressure variation. This is functionality significant in achieving a flow parabolic profile, for a fully developed flow rate within conduit networks. Using precise hydrodynamics is the mechanism for thermal material characterization to act as a switchable IR absorber. This absorber uses switching of water flow as a thermal switching medium to regulate heat transport flow. The paper will define a microfluidic network as a resistor to enhance the visible transmission and solar modulation properties by microfluidics for transition temperature decrease.

Citation

Alston, M. E. (in press). Optimal microchannel planar reactor as a switchable infrared absorber. MRS Advances, 2(14), https://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2017.112

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 30, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Jan 26, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 22, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 22, 2018
• Journal: MRS Advances
• Electronic ISSN: 2059-8521
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 14
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2017.112
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/838903
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/mrs-advances/article/optimal-microchannel-planar-reactor-as-a-switchable-infrared-absorber/C802DDA9F034229964324A379C822EA5#
• Additional Information: This article has been published in a revised form in MRS Advances [http://doi.org/10.1557/adv.2017.112]. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. © Materials Research Society 2017.