Thermal Applications of Open-Cell Metal Foams

The key structural and thermo-physical properties of reticulated metal foams (RMF) are reviewed. Analytical expressions relating such properties to basic structural parameters are developed through mathematical modeling and experimental studies. Conductive and convective aspects of thermal energy transfer through RMF-based heat exchangers are reviewed. A mathematical model is developed that calculates maximum thermal performance for such heat exchangers. Results of experimental and finite element analysis predicting thermal performance of test module using a thermal base plate, power device, RMF heat exchanger, and off-the-shelf external cold plate were compared. The superior performance of RMF-based heat exchangers is shown.