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Micro Heat Exchangers by Selective Laser Melting

Selective Laser Melting (SLM), a layer-based Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF) process, was used to fabricate micro cross-flow heat exchangers from 316L stainless steel, bronze (Cu 90%, Sn 10%) and Inconel 718 powder. Their mechanical and thermal properties were determined using solid blocks of SLM material prior to the fabrication of the micro cross flow heat exchangers. Initially the process parameters for the fabrication of high density (>97%) parts for the different materials were defined. The mechanical and thermal properties of SLM parts were then measured. The tensile test results exhibited yield strength values superior to the parent metals, but also showed low tensile strength and ductility as a result of the inherent residual porosity (2-4%). Results obtained from the thermal conductivity of the stainless steel material system were in good agreement with the bulk material values. The heat transfer performance of the heat exchangers with either micro channels or lattice structures as heat exchange surfaces was investigated experimentally and the results were evaluated in terms of geometry and materials. The performance of the micro heat exchangers was found to be dependent not only on the choice of material but also on the heat exchanger media geometry.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:507633
Date January 2008
CreatorsTsopanos, Sozon
PublisherUniversity of Liverpool
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation

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