Phase Change Mechanism Research Articles

Continuously-tunable, compact, freespace notch-filter design using an all-dielectric metagrating capped with a low-loss phase change material

Abstract Active metasurfaces utilizing phase change materials (PCMs) are currently under investigation for applications in free-space optical communication, optical signal processing, neuromorphic photonics, quantum photonics, and compact LiDAR. Attention has now turned towards novel PCM like Sb2S3 which exhibit lower optical absorption and reasonable values of refractive-index contrast in comparison to traditional data-storage PCM. We propose and numerically study the class of all-dielectric metagratings capped with low-loss PCM and predict the possibility of continuously tunable resonances whose quality factors degrade gracefully during the amorphous-to-crystalline phase transition of the PCM. Specifically, we consider the CMOS-compatible silicon-nitride on silica substrate material platform for simple and asymmetric metagratings (in particular, the symmetric-broken dimerization) and Sb2S3 capping. Our numerical study predicts that notch-filters operating around the 1550 nm NIR wavelength window can be achieved with tuning range of over 76 nm with Q-factors ranging from 784 (amorphous-phase) to 510 (crystalline-phase) (a degradation in Q of about 35%) and insertion loss of about 0.9 dB. These performance figures are a significant improvement over previously published designs utilizing data-storage PCMs and other traditional notch-filter mechanisms. We examine the influence of grating dimerization and geometrical parameters on performance metrics of the notch-filter and predicts the possibility to trade-off rejection-band and in-band spectral transmission properties. Lastly, we perform a study of all-optical phase change mechanism. Our study is promising for the miniaturization of tunable notch-filter based optical systems.

ESTUDIO DE LA RESPUESTA I-V EN CELDAS DE MEMORIA DESb70Te30

Chalcogenide glasses are within the group of phase change materials and are promising in their application to non-volatile electronic memories. Under electrical pulses, they can circulate between two amorphous and crystalline structural states that are well differentiated in their conductivity. Assuming that the phase change mechanisms depend on the energy per unit volume delivered to the sensitive material, it is desirable to build cells on a micrometer scale, also considering that they could eventually be integrated into microelectronic manufacturing processes. In a previous work, we observed an abrupt decrease in the resistance of Sb70Te30base thin films deposited by laser ablation in a temperature range of approximately 445 K when the sample is heated at low rates. From the results of differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction on samples obtained by the same method, we associate the change in resistivity with the crystallization process. In this work, we build micrometric devices with rectangular surface with Sb70Te30assensitive material, deposited on coplanar electrodes with spacing L (8 and 16μm) and width W (4, 8, 16, 32 and 64μm). We measure the voltage response of the devices when excited by scanning of increasing current and, between consecutive scanning, we measure the remaining resistance by applying a constant voltage value. In curves I-V, we identify a transformation from the original state to one of lower resistance, attributable to crystallization, but it was not possible to perform the reverse transformation to a state of higher resistance. Starting from the lack of knowledge about the conductivity of the material, we simulate the electric field in the cell using the Finite Element Method. The electrical conductivity of the chalcogenide glass in its initial state (amorphous) was estimated by adjusting its value in the simulations with different geometries, minimizing the difference between the measured and simulated resistances.

Microscale heat transfer and phase change mechanisms of carbon dioxide at near-critical conditions

Recent studies highlight the potential benefits of two-phase carbon dioxide (CO2) systems operating near their thermodynamic critical point. Significant heat transfer coefficients and resistance to critical heat flux from improved vapor phase properties can enable heat transfer and reliability enhancements. However, the physical mechanisms of phase change that govern heat transfer behavior in the near-critical regime of reduced pressures (0.85<PR<1, where PR=P/Pcrit) are not well understood. In the present study, subcooled microscale (hydraulic diameter, Dh=500μm) flow boiling experiments are conducted to elucidate the heat transfer behavior near the critical point and the underlying mechanisms that influence it. Experimental data reveals a deviation from the trends predicted by the Cheng correlation (Cheng, L et al., 2008, “New prediction methods for CO2 evaporation inside tubes: Part II—An updated general flow boiling heat transfer model based on flow patterns.” Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer), in particular, displaying a decreasing peak heat transfer coefficient as pressure increases. Heat transfer in the near-critical regime can be further partitioned into two regions: near-critical boiling (0.85<PR<0.96) that exhibits heat transfer highly dependent on surface temperature, and supercritical-like behavior (0.96<PR<1) exhibiting a strong heat transfer dependence on mass flux. High-speed side-view flow visualization reveals the dominant nucleation mechanism (heterogeneous or homogeneous) governs the heat transfer behavior and is adequately predicted using flow inlet conditions. The present study provides a method for predicting nucleation behavior, which, in turn, facilitates the prediction of heat transfer near the critical point. The continuous alteration of heat transfer in the near-critical regime as a function of PR is underscored by this mechanistic insight, bridging the gap between typical flow boiling (PR<0.85) and supercritical heat transfer (PR>1).

Impact of titanium modification on the performance improvement and phase change mechanism of ZnSb thin film

Phase change memory has emerged as a promising option for neuro-inspired and data-intensive AI applications, attracting significant attention from the semiconductor field recently. The performance of the device relies on the phase change material, aiming for enhanced thermal stability along with low power consumption. Nanocomposite ZnSb thin films with titanium dopant were prepared and their crystallization properties and mechanisms were investigated. Compared to pure ZnSb material, the addition of titanium can significantly enhance the temperature of crystallization and the 10-year data retention ability, both of which surpassing 16 °C. The obvious enhancement in thermal stability may be ascribed to the ionic bond formation between titanium and antimony elements, as indicated by differential charge calculations. Also, phase change memory cells with a diameter of 190 nm were fabricated using standard CMOS technology. The Ti-doped ZnSb thin film demonstrates rapid crystallization and amorphization within 50 ns while consuming low power at approximately 1.5 × 10−10 J. The decrease in power consumption may stem from the increase in band gap energy and a decrease in electrical conductivity, as confirmed by first-principles calculations. Both experimental and theoretical results prove that titanium doping can remarkably improve the physical properties of ZnSb thin film, facilitating the exploration and design of novel phase change materials with high thermal stability, low power consumption, as well as fast switching speed.

Mechanism of pore water phase change, freezing expansion, and pore enlargement of coal samples under low-temperature liquid nitrogen action

Liquid nitrogen fracturing, a technology for enhancing coal seam permeability without water, garnering considerable attention due to the intricate network of fractures induced by the low-temperature impact of LN2 on coal reservoirs. The phase transition freezing expansion of water-ice plays a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of coal damage. As direct measurement of water signal change during freezing is impractical, studying the variation in unfrozen water content during coal sample re-warming subsequent to cold shock is beneficial. This approach aids in elucidating the phase transition expansion and pore expansion mechanisms at different pore scales. The findings reveal the sequence of pore ice melting in coal samples frozen by LN2: micropores exhibit initial water appearance, followed by medium-sized pores, with micropores reaching peak levels first. Subsequently, water migrates from micropores to medium-sized pores, leading to their peak levels, before macropores show water presence. The temperature gradient from the coal sample center to the coal wall, owing to thermal resistance, results in the part melting first also freezing first. Analysis indicates that the porosity signal of lignite and bituminous coal increased by 203 % and 467 % during medium-sized pore melting, emphasizing the prominence of the medium-sized pore melting stage. It is further inferred that the phase transition freezing expansion and pore expansion of coal sample water induced by LN2 primarily occur in medium-sized pores.

Methylamine Separations Enabled by Cooperative Ligand Insertion in Copper-Carboxylate Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Monomethylamine (NH2CH3), dimethylamine (NH(CH3)2), and trimethylamine (N(CH3)3) are important chemical feedstocks that are produced industrially as an azeotropic mixture and must be separated using an energy-intensive thermal distillation. While solid adsorbents have been proposed as alternatives to distillation for separating various industrial gas mixtures, methylamine separations remain largely unexplored in this context. Here, we investigate two isoreticular frameworks Cu(cyhdc) (cyhdc2- = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) and Cu(bdc) (bdc2- = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) as prospective candidates for this challenging separation, motivated by the recent discovery that Cu(cyhdc) reversibly captures ammonia through a unique framework-to-coordination polymer phase change. Through a combination of gas adsorption and powder X-ray diffraction analyses, we find that Cu(cyhdc) and Cu(bdc) reversibly bind large quantities of mono- and dimethylamine through framework-to-coordination polymer phase change mechanisms, although both frameworks adsorb only moderate amounts of trimethylamine via physisorption. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of select mono- and dimethylamine containing phases suggests that the number of hydrogen bond donors available and the linker donor strength are key factors influencing amine uptake. Finally, investigation of the tricomponent adsorption behavior of both materials reveals that Cu(cyhdc) is selective for the capture of monomethylamine from a range of mono-, di-, and trimethylamine mixtures.

Study on Thermophysical Properties and Phase Change Regulation Mechanism of Optically-Controlled Phase Change Materials: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Molecular Dynamics.

Optically-controlled phase change materials, which are prepared by introducing molecular photoswitches into traditional phase change materials (PCMs), can convert and store solar energy into photochemical enthalpy and phase change enthalpy. However, the thermophysical properties of optically controlled PCMs, which are crucial in the practical, are rarely paid attention to. 4-(phenyldiazenyl)phenyl decanoate (Azo-A-10) is experimentally prepared as an optically-controlled PCMs, whose energy storage density is 210.0 kJ·kg-1, and the trans single crystal structure is obtained. The density, phase transition temperature, thermal conductivity, and other parameters in trans state are measured experimentally. Furthermore, a microscopic model of Azo-A-10 is established, and the thermophysical properties are analyzed based on molecular dynamics. The results show that the microstructure parameter (order parameters) and thermophysical properties (density, radial distribution function, self-diffusion coefficient, phase change temperature, and thermal conductivity) of partially or completely isomerized Azo-A-10, which are challenging to observe in experiments, can be predicted by molecular dynamics simulation. The optically-controlled phase change mechanism can be clarified according to the differences in microstructure. The optically-controlled switchability of thermophysical properties of an optically-controlled PCM is analyzed. This study provides ideas for the improvement, development, and application of optically-controlled PCMs in the future.

Pore scale modeling on microbial hydrogen consumption and mass transfer of multicomponent gas flow in underground hydrogen storage of depleted reservoir

As first effort in literature, this study proposed a mathematical model for microbial hydrogen consumption of underground hydrogen storage in the depleted reservoir, considering phase-change mechanism in growth-decay of bio-film, methanogen reaction, and mass transfer in the multicomponent flow. Effects of the growth-decay mechanisms of methanogens on pore structure, permeability and gas components, were simulated and analyzed in 2D and 3D porous models. The results indicated that: 1) The potential risk of the clogging of the pore space by microbial community was confirmed. 2) The initial volume fraction of microbial saturation (VFm) has a great effect on the growth and decay mechanism of methanogen which adopts the hydrogen as the energy source. 3) The optimized decay coefficient of the biomass could be achieved to decrease the loss of hydrogen and its purity. 4) The reduction rate of porosity and normalized permeability (KN) was believed to be related to decay-growth mechanism of microbials and the pore structure. The model with a lower porosity would lead to a higher saturation of biofilm-water layer (BWL), as well as a higher reduction of the porosity. The required time to reach the maximum BWL was the same, when assuming the growth process of methanogen was homogeneous and isotopic.

Research and application of the low-damage temperature-controlled phase change temporary plugging agent

Ultra-deep dense sandstone reservoirs are characterized by high stress, large stress difference, high temperature, etc. Compared with conventional fracturing techniques, temporary plugging fracturing techniques are more capable of increasing fracture complexity and improving the stimulation reservoir volume (SRV). Phase-change temporary plugging agent has received wide attention due to its easy injection and return characteristics, etc. However, the temporary plugging mechanism of phase-change temporary plugging agent on shot-holes and fractures is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a temperature-controlled phase change temporary plugging agent (STPA). The main properties of STPA, such as gel formation time and plugging capacity, are studied. The results show that STPA completes the transition behavior of solution-gel-solution at different temperatures; the gel formation time and gel breaking time of STPA decrease with increasing temperature; the pressure-bearing capacity of the plugging increases with the width of the fracture; the pressure-bearing capacity of STPA is more than 20 MPa in the fracture, and more than 18 MPa in the “shot-hole + fracture”; the rate of injury to core permeability by STPA is about 1.2%. In addition, STPA was successfully applied in fracturing field practice, and the maximum injection pressure increment was about 12.08 MPa, with remarkable temporary plugging effect. These results help to reveal the plugging mechanism of phase change plugging agent, which is of guiding significance for the field application of STPA.

Computational Evaluation of Pulsating Heat Pipe for Fluid Flow Behavior and its Thermal Performance

Computational fluid analysis of a single circuit heat pipe was undertaken to ascertain the thermal efficiency of water at various fill ratios, specifically 40%, 50%, and 60% under varying heating conditions. The analysis employed the ANSYS Fluent computational fluid dynamics software, utilizing a k-epsilon to the heat pipe as the solver. The analysis was carried out on a copper tube with an internal diameter measuring 3/16 inches. During the analysis, the thermal inflow at the adiabatic region was adjusted to zero, while the condenser region’s temperature remained constant at 25°C. Meanwhile, the heat input at the evaporator region was systematically adjusted to 105°C, 110°C, 115°C, and 120°C. Key Performance characteristics of heat pipe i.e. thermal resistance, and water volume fraction were evaluated during analysis. The temperature variations noted in both regions affirmed that the pulsating pipe’s performance was influenced by the phase transition between liquid and vapor. Furthermore, the concentration of volume within the evaporator section was monitored, confirming the presence of a dual-phase phenomenon within the heat pipe. Through the analysis, it was noted that the thermal resistance of the water is minimized at a 50% fill ratio for each level of heat input. Notably, the promising results were obtained at an input temperature of 120°C with a value of 1.025°C /W which was 7.3% and 9.8% lower than thermal resistance at 40% and 60% fill ratios, respectively. The reduced thermal resistance in this scenario is attributed to the flow dynamics within the capillary, propelled by rapid phase change mechanisms. This shows the importance of Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHPs) in thermal control, as well as the intricacies of their operating mechanisms. Experimental and theoretical investigations have investigated numerous elements influencing PHP performance, with numerical modeling providing insight into thermal resistance and water volume fraction dynamics under varying heating temperatures and fill ratios.

Microscopic insights on liquid–vapor phase change phenomena of R1336mzz(Z) nanofilm through molecular dynamics simulations

The ever-growing advances in electronics pose a critical cooling challenge. Two-phase heat transfer technology, with effective heat removal and no extra energy consumption, is emerging as a potential solution for sustainable thermal management. However, questions regarding phase change mechanisms are seemingly not addressed yet due to the limitation in time and space scales. In this work, a series of molecular dynamics simulations are performed where the R1336mzz(Z) liquid film rests over a smooth copper substrate. The molecular system starts with a nanofilm thickness of 4–10 nm and then is subjected to non-equilibrium heating (350, 400, 450, and 500 K) to initiate liquid-to-vapor phase change. Depending on the impacts of film thickness and wall temperature, four distinctive phase change scenarios are identified, i.e., diffusive evaporation, pseudo-diffusive evaporation, explosive boiling, and stable explosive boiling. The characteristics of these phase change modes are explicated from the perspectives of molecular motion, vaporization rate, temperature evolution, heat flux, and interfacial resistance. The phase change mode has a strong dependence on two aspects: improving heat transfer to breakup potential barrier and slowing energy dissipation to support formation of bubble embryos. The insight may deliver better understandings of phase change mechanism and applications of liquid refrigerants.

Phase change of the Ordovician hydrocarbon in the Tarim Basin: A case study from the Halahatang–Shunbei area

Abstract To clarify the genetic mechanism for phase change of the hydrocarbon in the ultra-deep reservoirs, a case study from the Ordovician hydrocarbon in the Halahatang–Shunbei area (HSA), Tarim Basin, NW China, was conducted. The results show that the Ordovician reservoirs in the HSA are characterized as multi-phase reservoirs with a lateral co-existence of condensates, volatile-oil reservoirs, normal oil reservoirs, and heavy oil reservoirs. From north to south, there are regular variations in the geochemical characteristics of the Ordovician hydrocarbon in different blocks of the HSA, showing an increasing trend in GOR, dryness coefficients, methane contents, methane carbon isotope values, and ethane carbon isotope values, while a decreasing trend in oil densities and wax contents. Because the same Cambrian–Lower Ordovician source for the Ordovician hydrocarbon is observed and the kerogen-cracking gas is dominated in the HSA, the regular variations of the hydrocarbon phases and geochemical characteristics can be interpreted as records of biodegradation and multistage oil–gas filling rather than controlled by the source rock organofacies, oil cracking, and gas invasion. The formation mechanism of the Ordovician multi-phase reservoirs in the HSA suggests that the deep strata of the Tarim Basin hold potential for the exploration of natural gas resources.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of an ionic liquid-based biphasic solvent for post-combustion CO2 Capture: Breaking through the “Trade-off” effect of viscosity and loading

To break through the “trade-off” effect of biphasic solvents between rich-phase viscosity and CO2 loading, we synthesized a novel ionic liquid (diethylenetriamine-3-hydroxypyridine, [DETA][3HPyr]) with multiple active sites and combined it with the organic solvent diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGME) and water to prepare a biphasic solvent for CO2 absorption, the best absorption condition was optimized. The results demonstrated that after absorption, the solvent transformed from homogeneous to biphasic with highly self-concentrated absorption products in the rich phase. The volume of the rich phase accounted for only 36.3 % of the total solvent, while its viscosity decreased significantly to 28.1 mPa·s, with a high blend absorption capacity of 2.67 mol·kg−1. The species of absorption product and absorption mechanism was investigated using 13C NMR. The stable presence of carbamic acid in the system was confirmed, contributing to enhanced absorption capacity. Density functional theory calculations revealed that DGME stabilized carbamic acid through intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, and highly polar ions generated during absorption and uneven charge distribution between ions dominated the phase-change process and increased the water content in the rich phase. Thermodynamic energy barrier calculation showed that the solvent effect of DGME reduced the Gibbs free energy barriers of proton transfer and facilitated reaction progress. 3IL4D3H exhibited excellent cyclic performance with low regeneration energy consumption at 1.77 GJ·t−1. This is the first work to revealing the intrinsic dynamics of carbamic acid formation, and provides a new perspective for the phase-change mechanism of ionic liquid-based biphasic solvent.

Thawing-consolidation performances of frozen soil in segregated ice-rich regions using thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled model

Detailing the phase change and migration mechanism of segregated ice in frozen soil is crucial to predict the complex variation in thawing frozen soil. In this study, a thawing-consolidation model based on thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling method was developed to describe the variation of temperature, water migration and settlement process in the thawing froze soil of ice-rich regions. The abundant underground water environment experimental system was set up to replicate the authentic conditions. The permeability expression of melting segregated ice based on the measurements was included in the developed model, and the Terzaghi theory was introduced to describe the consolidation characteristics in mechanical equilibrium function. The superiority of the developed model was stated comparing with the traditional model, and the relative errors between measurement and developed model in temperatures, water contents and settlements were 0.24 %, 4.8 %, and 12.6 %, respectively. The thawing fronts, water contents, water gradients and settlements of frozen soil were then detailed with the variation of upper surface soil temperatures, initial water contents, and particle sizes. The results showed that the melting fronts were sensitive to the variation of upper surface temperature which accelerated the melting process of segregated ice. The initial water contents (0.18 to 0.24) extended the phase change process from 3.7 h to 6.8 h and decreased the water gradient at 0 m from 0.61 × 10−7 m/s to −0.59 × 10−7 m/s. The increase in particle size (0.013 mm to 0.150 mm) decreased the settlements from −3.1 × 10−3 m to −9.8 × 10−3 m. Moreover, based on the deduction of void ratio in model, the variation of pore pressure in thawing soils could also be elaborated.

CO2 absorption by diethylenetriamine-based phase change absorbents: Phase change mechanism and absorption performance

CO2 phase change absorbents (CPCAs) have garnered significant attention for their potential to reduce energy consumption. However, suitable phase change agent is suffering from the selection among a wide range of organic solvents. In order to explore the phase separation mechanism and minimize screening efforts of CPCAs, the phase separation behaviors of the diethylenetriamine (DETA)-based absorbents constituted with different organic solvents were investigated, and the interaction energies revealed that the ion–dipole interaction is the dominant role in CO2-riched absorbents. The intensification of the self-aggregation of organic solvents by the ion-water interaction, was proposed as the main reason for the differences in the phase separation behavior in different DETA-based absorbents. Based on the relative ET(30) and relative dielectric constant of the organic solvent, a phase separation diagram can be drawn to predict the phase change behaviors of DETA absorbents. Among the DETA-based CPCAs, DETA + DMF + H2O absorbents showed the largest CO2-rich phase loading, and the optimized DETA + DMF + H2O CPCA exhibited 200 % of the CO2 cyclic loading compared to 30 wt% MEA aqueous solution.

Reconfigurable Micro/Nano-Optical Devices Based on Phase Transitions: From Materials, Mechanisms to Applications.

In recent years, numerous efforts have been devoted to exploring innovative micro/nano-optical devices (MNODs) with reconfigurable functionality, which is highly significant because of the progressively increasing requirements for next-generation photonic systems. Fortunately, phase change materials (PCMs) provide an extremely competitive pathway to achieve this goal. The phase transitions induce significant changes to materials in optical, electrical properties or shapes, triggering great research interests in applying PCMs to reconfigurable micro/nano-optical devices (RMNODs). More specifically, the PCMs-based RMNODs can interact with incident light in on-demand or adaptive manners and thus realize unique functions. In this review, RMNODs based on phase transitions are systematically summarized and comprehensively overviewed from materials, phase change mechanisms to applications. The reconfigurable optical devices consisting of three kinds of typical PCMs are emphatically introduced, including chalcogenides, transition metal oxides, and shape memory alloys, highlighting the reversible state switch and dramatic contrast of optical responses along with designated utilities generated by phase transition. Finally, a comprehensive summary of the whole content is given, discussing the challenge and outlooking the potential development of the PCMs-based RMNODs in the future.

On the continuous nature of phase change in near-critical carbon dioxide

Unique boiling behavior at near-critical conditions can leverage the large heat transfer coefficients associated with flow boiling while mitigating some of the disadvantages encountered in two-phase flows, presenting opportunities for enhancing the stability and effectiveness of cooling systems. Contemporary understanding treats subcritical boiling and supercritical heat transfer as two distinct regimes, separated by the critical point. Recent studies investigating microchannel flow boiling near the critical point challenge this notion, suggesting a significant alteration in subcritical phase change heat transfer mechanisms, predominantly driven by variations in thermophysical properties near the critical point. However, a generalized understanding of heat transfer behavior and the phase change physics near the critical point is lacking. The current work presents a new perspective to elucidate underlying fluid phenomena associated with near-critical (0.85<PR<1.02) microscale (Dh=500μm) phase change over parameterized experimental conditions (G=100−1000kgm−2s−1; q″=2−100Wcm−2). Through high-speed (8000fps) side-view microscopic imaging and simultaneous heat transfer measurements, unique flow behavior was discovered at PR>0.95, including supercritical-like phenomena and evidence of homogeneous nucleation which form the physical basis for altered heat transfer behavior. The visualized flow physics and heat transfer behavior suggest a continuous transition from subcritical phase change to supercritical mechanisms near the critical point. As homogeneous nucleation becomes the dominant phase change mechanism, the near-wall heat transfer condition transitions from nucleate boiling to single-phase vapor convection. However, due to significant thermophysical property variations near the critical point, this single-phase convection condition exhibits fluid physics and heat transfer behavior virtually indistinguishable from supercritical conditions. These insights significantly disrupt the conventional understanding of a sharp transition in fluid behavior at the critical point. The gradual change in flow boiling mechanisms near the critical point presents opportunities for application-specific tuning of heat transfer performance through pressure variation alone.

Lattice Boltzmann simulations of quasi-steady film and axisymmetric nucleate boiling

An axisymmetric multiple relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method utilizing the Shan-Chen pseudo-potential model is developed and combined with an axisymmetric finite difference approximation of the energy equation to form a hybrid method with a view toward studying axisymmetric nucleate boiling. The mechanism of phase change in the Shan–Chen model is investigated, and the model is validated by simulating a Stefan problem as well as simulations of quasi-steady film boiling with comparisons to established results. Axisymmetric quasi-steady nucleate boiling is then investigated including examining the effect of the wetting properties of surfaces by varying the wettability force to vary the dynamic contact angle.

Performance of Pulsating Heat Pipe with a stimulus of auxiliary heat load for Battery Thermal Management System

Stimulus strategy is proposed to enhance the heat dissipation performance of Pulsating Heat Pipe (PHP) at low heat load for local hot spot regression in Battery Thermal Management (BTM). An auxiliary heat load is applied to stimulate the start-up of PHP. The performances of PHP with and without stimulus are compared and the properties of PHP after stimulus are discussed. It is concluded that the application of auxiliary heat load is able to stimulate the start-up of PHP in experiments. The strategy is mainly based on the phase-change mechanism as well as the hysteresis of working medium. Thermal resistance and the evaporator temperature are significantly reduced, if PHP starts operation after stimulus. Long period of stimulus and strong auxiliary heat load are favored for the reduction of thermal resistance and the shortening of period for start-up. The thermal resistance may be reduced by 29.1 ∼ 69.6 % and the temperature may be regressed by around 8 °C. However, PHP may suffer from temperature uplift and overshot to the maximum evaporator temperature. Therefore, high interference temperature coupled with weak auxiliary heat load and long period of stimulus are suggested as the optimal strategy. The verified strategy offers a new method for local hot spot regression and a possible way to mitigate the risk of thermal runaway, since the heat dissipation is enhanced at the initial stage of damage or destruction.

Thermally-induced nanoscale phase change in chalcogenide glass Cr2Ge2Te6 revealed by scanning tunneling microscopy

Cr2Ge2Te6 (CrGT) is viewed as an important phase change material (PCM) for next-generation nonvolatile memory devices because of its superior properties, e.g., high thermal stability and low operation energy, compared to conventional PCMs. However, the phase change mechanism of CrGT remains unsolved, especially at the nanoscale. Here, we investigated thermally induced nanoscale phase changes of CrGT thin films using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS). By performing statistical analysis of the measured STM topographic and STS data, we evaluated the inhomogeneity and distribution of the phase change characteristics of CrGT thin films. We also related the nanoscale phase change properties of CrGT to macroscopic phase changes by comparing the STM and STS results with experimental data from Raman spectroscopy.