A lightweight X-type metallic lattice in single-phase forced convection

The superior capability of bearing thermal and mechanical loads to other types of open cellular materials has led to advances in developing new periodic cellular materials. We introduce a lightweight X-type lattice fabricated via the metal sheet folding and present its thermo-fluidic characteristics in single-phase forced convection. For fixed porosity, thermal conductivity and Reynolds number, the X-type lattice provides overall heat removal capacity up to two times higher than reference periodic cellular materials. The unique morphology of the X-type lattice results in a large scale spiral primary flow, which interacts with several secondary flows. These fluid flow behaviors and the induced complex flow mixing substantially enhance heat transfer on both the substrate and ligaments. However, the X-type lattice causes roughly three times higher pressure drop than reference periodic cellular materials for a given Reynolds number. Overall, superior heat transfer is achieved by the X-type lattice for a fixed pumping power. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.