A Design Tool for Nanostructures with Tunable Thermal Properties
Abstract
This research project is concerned with the development of novel nano-engineered materials whose thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity, can change in a predetermined manner due to internal and external triggers, such as temperature and mechanical stresses. The mechanisms that can dynamically change thermal properties of materials are dominated by submicron and nanoscale phenomena. In order to design systematically these materials, their submicron/nanoscale behavior needs to be modeled and predicted with sound accuracy but time and cost maneuverable. The PIs have developed a novel computational framework for the analysis and design of nano-structured materials with tunable thermal properties. This multiscale modeling approach is based on the Boltzmann transport equation (kinetic theory). Phonon transmission across dissimilar interfaces has been simulated with Nonequilibium Green s function approach. We have explored mechanical stress/strain as a mechanism for dynamically tuning thermal conductivity of materials. We have developed optical pump and soft X-ray nano-metrology for measuring nanoscale thermal transport. Our work made the first observation and quantitative measurement of non-Fourier heat dissipation from a nanoscale hot spot to the surroundings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA563637
Entities
People
- Kurt Maute
- Martin L. Dunn
- Ronggui Yang
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder