NER: Plasma Nanocoating of Nanoparticles and Nanofluid Oscillating Heat Pipes

AbstractThis提案是响应纳米科学与工程倡议，NSF 04-043，类别NER。 本研究的目的是探索一种创新的方法，开发一种基于纳米技术的冷却装置，能够去除下一代计算机芯片的高热流，并培养新一代纳米科学/工程的年轻工程师。 本计画所采用的方法包括电浆奈米涂层技术，以制造稳定奈米流体及奈米流体振荡热管（OHP）的自分散奈米粒子。 等离子体纳米涂层技术的探索将集中在具有目标功能的纳米颗粒的表面改性上，包括等离子体化学、涂层性质和均匀性以及表面功能对改善纳米颗粒分散性的影响，从而对纳米流体的稳定性和导热性的影响。 纳米流体OHP的开创性研究将纳米流体的超高热导率、薄膜蒸发的高传热系数和振荡运动的热增强集成到一个基于纳米技术的冷却装置中，用于高热流量去除。这个跨学科的项目提供了一个独特的机会，探索纳米科学/工程的前沿，以智能设计和开发新一代传热流体和冷却设备。新型纳米流体OHP的制造将释放满足科学计算、图像分析和遥感高需求所需的计算能力。 生命科学相关研究也将受益于基于纳米技术的快速冷却，通过消除冰的形成和溶质损伤来保护细胞/组织。 在学术界、国家实验室和工业界的联合环境中，专家们对参与该项目的学生进行了交叉培训，他们将被量身定制，形成比那些仅支持其学科特定研究的学生更广泛的视野。 最重要的是，学生将接受培训，以计划和执行不同的约束条件和标准，以证明他们的卓越独立研究。

AbstractThis proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 04-043, category NER. The objectives of this research are to explore an innovative approach in developing a nanotechnology-based cooling device being capable of removing high heat flux for cooling the next generation computer chips, and to nurture a new generation of young engineers in nanoscience/engineering. The approaches employed in this project include plasma nanocoating technology to fabricate self-dispersing nanoparticles for stable nanofluids and nanofluids Oscillating Heat Pipes (OHPs). The exploration of plasma nanocoating technology will focus the surface modification of nanoparticles with targeted functions including the effects of plasma chemistry, coating nature and uniformity, and surface functionalities on improving dispersity of nanoparticles and consequently on stability and heat conductivity of nanofluids. The pioneering research of nanofluid OHPs will integrate the ultra-high thermal conductivity of nanofluids, high heat transfer coefficient of thin film evaporation, and heat enhancement of oscillating motion into one nanotechnology-based cooling device for high heat flux removal. This interdisciplinary project presents a unique opportunity to explore the frontiers of nanoscience/engineering for intelligent design and development of new-generation heat transfer fluids and cooling devices. Fabrication of the novel nanofluid OHPs will unleash the computing power needed to meet the high demands in scientific computing, image analysis, and remote sensing. Life-science-related research will also benefit from the nanotechnology-based rapid cooling to protect the cells/tissues by eliminating ice formation and solute damage. Cross-trained by experts in a combined setting of academia, national laboratory and industry, the students involved in this project will be tailored to form much broader visions than those for supporting their discipline-specific research alone. Most importantly, the students will be trained to plan for and perform independent research on different sets of constraints and criteria in demonstrating their excellence.