CAREER: Investigation of Nucleation Dynamics on Nanoengineered Surfaces for Durable and High Heat Flux Condensation Phase Change Applications

该项目需要对纳米工程表面上的冷凝相变进行基础研究，这些表面覆盖有超疏水或超疏水涂层。该项目的一个重要成果是工程或“设计”更好（更有弹性）的表面的可能性。该研究有可能影响多个行业，如电力公用事业，供暖通风和空调设备，电子设备和海水淡化系统。主要目的是确定表面涂层缺陷的形成，退化和成核动力学在冷凝过程中，这是关键，以提高寿命和传热效率的表面。一种新的先进的扫描探针显微镜技术将用于过程可视化。教育工作是非常广泛的，涉及k-12教师和学生的研究经验活动，本科工程专业学生的新实验室活动，和一个新的研究生课程。

The project entails the fundamental study of condensation phase change on nanoengineered surfaces, covered with an ultrathin hydrophobic or super-hydrophobic coating. A significant outcome of the project is the possibility of engineering or "designing" better (more resilient) surfaces. The study has potential to impact several industries, such as power utilities, heating ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, electronic devices, and desalination systems. The main objective is to determine the surface coating defects formation, degradation and nucleation dynamics during condensation, which is key to enhancing longevity and heat transfer effectiveness of the surface. A new advanced scanning probe microscopy technique will be utilized for process visualization. Educational effort is very broad, involving research experience activities for k-12 teachers and students, new laboratory activities for undergraduate engineering students, and a new graduate course.