Contribution of vortex structures and flow separation to local and overall pressure and heat transfer characteristics in an ultralightweight lattice material

Ultralightweight lattice-frame materials (LFMs) with open, periodic microstructures are attractive multifunctional systems that can perform structural, thermal, actuation, power storage and other functions [A.G. Evans, J.W. Hutchinson, M.F. Ashby, Multifunctionality of cellular metal systems, Prog. Mater. Sci. 43 (1999) 171–221]. This paper presents experimental and numerical studies of local fluid flow behaviour and its contribution to local and overall pressure and heat transfer characteristics of such a lattice material with tetrahedral unit cells. A single layer of the LFM with porosity of 0.938 is sandwiched between impermeable endwalls that receive uniform heat flux and the heat transfer is subjected to forced air convection.