NER: Plasma Nanocoating of Nanoparticles and Nanofluid Oscillating Heat Pipes

摘要：本课题为纳米尺度科学与工程计划，NSF 04-043， NER分类。本研究的目的是探索一种基于纳米技术的冷却装置的创新方法，该装置能够消除高热流密度，用于冷却下一代计算机芯片，并培养新一代纳米科学/工程领域的年轻工程师。本项目采用等离子体纳米涂层技术制备稳定纳米流体和纳米流体振荡热管的自分散纳米颗粒。等离子体纳米涂层技术的探索将集中在纳米颗粒的表面改性上，其目标功能包括等离子体化学、涂层性质和均匀性以及表面功能对提高纳米颗粒分散性的影响，从而提高纳米流体的稳定性和导热性。纳米流体OHPs的开创性研究将把纳米流体的超高导热性、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高热流通量去除装置中。这个跨学科项目提供了一个独特的机会来探索纳米科学/工程的前沿，以智能设计和开发新一代传热流体和冷却装置。新型纳米流体OHPs的制造将释放出满足科学计算、图像分析和遥感高要求所需的计算能力。与生命科学相关的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的破坏来保护细胞/组织。由学术界、国家实验室和工业界的专家进行交叉培训，参与该项目的学生将比那些单独支持其学科特定研究的学生形成更广阔的视野。最重要的是，学生将接受训练，在不同的约束条件和标准下规划和执行独立的研究，以展示他们的卓越。

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.