Date of Award

12-1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Jeffery Little, PhD

Abstract

This report details the development of a facility for the experimental investigation of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) enhancement of forced convection heat transfer. The test facility was developed for the Thermal and Transparencies Laboratory (TATLAB), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), for use in future research into the applicability of EHD for the miniaturization of Air Force heat exchangers. During this research, a closed l6op, medium scale electrohydrodynamic test rig was developed and brought online. The test fluid loop was integrated with a data acquisition and parameter control system. Basic loop and fluid performance testing was accomplished through the use of a 3mm hydraulic diameter, square channel test section using Flourinert FC-72, a dielectric electronics coolant, as the working fluid. Due to the design of the test section, no heat transfer data was generated in this initial study. However, this study greatly expanded the experimental and practical understanding of the EHD phenomenon within AFRL, by providing a working knowledge of the basics of effective EHD test section design, contamination control procedures, and loop design and operation. Deficiencies in the design of the loop, data acquisition system, and test section were identified and recommendations for improvements in future work were delivered. The Air Force Research Laboratory is now poised to generate useful EHD heat transfer data with this test facility.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GA-ENY-97D-05

DTIC Accession Number

ADA341802

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