Optimization of Microchannel Characteristics for Enhanced Heat Transfer in the Laminar Regime

The present effort explores optimization of microchannel characteristics for enhanced convective heat transfer in the laminar regime with specific application to the development of complex microfluidic networks for self-cooling material systems. Of particular interest is optimization of the layout of the microscale flow passages in a manner that both maximizes heat transfer while simultaneously minimizing any additional pressure-drop penalty compared to straight microchannels. This optimization is achieved using a multi-objective genetic algorithm in conjunction with numerical simulations in the flow regime relevant to self- cooling applications ($\mathrm{Re}<100$) that span a parameter space of both wavelength and amplitude for sinuous microchannels. Experimental validation of the identified optimal configurations is performed in a controlled heat-transfer environment using microchannels written with a unique robocasting fugitive-ink-deposition printer at UIUC.