The influence of rotational acceleration on flow and heat transfer in swirl microchannels

The heat dissipation performance of electronic devices in aviation is affected in acceleration environment using liquid as working fluid. The swirl microchannel heat sink can be applied to large heat dissipation. To clarify its flow and heat transfer characteristics under acceleration condition, simulative experiment using a centrifuge providing up to 15 g acceleration in swirl microchannel was conducted with 30% ethylene-water solution as the working fluid. The experiment was performed at different flow rates ranging from 15 L/h to 25 L/h, and aspect ratios of 2, 3 and 4. Results showed that the acceleration affected the heat transfer performance but no significant deterioration was observed in the experiment. An analysis in acceleration resistance was performed from the point of forces affecting the fluid particle. Increase in flow rate and aspect ratio resisted the acceleration influence.