Multiscale Methods in Beamed Energy Harnessing Applications
Abstract
This research program centers on the fundamental heat-transfer processes for beamed-energy harnessing applications, such as electromagnetic heat exchangers. Of interest is to quantify the conversion efficiency of incoming electromagnetic radiation into elevated internal energy of a coolant. Electromagnetic-radiation absorbing materials, either porous or designed with channels through which a coolant can flow, that can withstand temperature up to 2000 K, heat these materials through the application of electromagnetic waves. Coolant runs through the material to harness the desired energy. Since electrical conductivity of these materials depends on temperature, multiple steady temperatures are seen at the same input power. Asymptotic multiscale methods including homogenization are used to formulate an effective medium theory to describe the energy conservation and electric field amplitude propagation through this medium, for incompressible and compressible coolants. We find a resonance condition under which high temperatures can be achieved, but below the thermal and mechanical failure of the lossy medium for a thin laminated system. The analytical results for these laminated systems are compared favorably with direct numerical simulations. Extensions to porous media have been developed through homogenization methods, for both the classical and resonant (high-frequency) conditions. This latter work, along with a collaboration on electromagnetically-enhance chemical vapor infiltration applications, is the focus of our ongoing work.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1086000
Entities
People
- Burt S. Tilley
- Rebecca Webb
- Vadim V. Yakovlev
Organizations
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute