Controlling TPMS lattice deformation for enhanced convective heat transfer: A comparative study of Diamond and Gyroid structures

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of convective heat transfer in Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS), focusing on Gyroid and Diamond lattice structures. An innovative lattice structure control method, employing a Deform-Control parameter (β), is proposed to modulate lattice deformation within their mathematical frameworks. Numerical simulations validated by experimental measurements were conducted to analyze the impact of varying β values from 0 to 0.75 on the thermo-hydraulic performance of both lattice types at flow rates ranging from 0.4 m3/h to 2 m3/h. The results indicate significant improvements in heat transfer efficiency with increasing β. For Gyroid structures, increasing β from 0.1 to 0.75 led to a 3.8% to 32.7% rise in convective heat transfer coefficients and a 3.2% to 23.7% increase in Nusselt numbers. Diamond structures also demonstrated enhancements, with coefficients and Nusselt numbers climbing by 2.9% to 10.4% and 3% to 7%, respectively. Notably, both Gyroid and Diamond structures showed increase in flow resistance at higher β values, highlighting a critical balance between heat transfer efficiency and fluid flow considerations. This research presents a promising control method for optimizing heat transfer in TPMS structures, offering opportunities for more efficient and effective heat dissipation solutions.