Investigating the role of surface structures on flow boiling instabilities

Flow boiling in microchannels has proven to have a high potential for heat transfer applications, but it faces instabilities that must be addressed for secure practical applications. This study investigates the possibility of two-phase flow instability suppression using surface structures in microchannels. Using a 300 µm deep and 420 µm hydraulic diameter microchannel fabricated through Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) process, platinum microheaters deposited via e-beam evaporation mimic localized heat load. The channels are sealed on top with glass. Parameters including heat fluxes, mass fluxes, pressure, and temperature are measured and simultaneously visualized on a high-speed camera for a dielectric fluid 3M® Novec-7000. The insights gained will advance thermal management systems for high-heat-flux electronics, aerospace, and automotive applications.