Adiabatic Two-Phase Flow in Scaled Microchannel Heat Sinks with Cross Links
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The effects of cross links, introduced in the channel core of an array of parallel scaled microchannels, were investigated by comparing the flow distribution in six different multichannel configurations. A standard straight channel test section and Ave other test sections incorporating cross links were used. All test sections had 45 parallel square channels, with a hydraulic diameter of 1.59 mm. The flow distribution was monitored at four select channels. The working mixture was air and water with superficial velocities ranging from 0.03 to 9.93 m/s, and 0.04 to 0.83 m/s, respectively. This corresponds to a range of flow quality between 0 and 0.25, whereby the mass flux range varies from 42 to 834 kg/m2 s. It was observed that the cross-linked designs permit fluid communication between channels. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a significant impact on flow distribution when compared with the straight channel design. Flow patterns obtained from flow visualization were presented in terms of fractional time function, and provided further insight into flow characteristics. Compared with a single channel flow regime map, the expected intermittent flow regime was observed 84-90 % of the time for the cross-linked designs, and 65-80 % of the time for the straight channel design. The effects of cross links on two-phase pressure drop are also documented. Copyright 2008 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.
