Patent — available for licensing
Additively Manufactured Oscillating Heat Pipe for High Performance Cooling in High Temperature Applications
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
High performance cooling techniques for enhanced heat transfer for high temperature applications are increasingly important, particularly in the field of aerospace engineering. For example, leading edges of wings on hypersonic vehicles may reach upwards of 2000 C, and such heat quickly degrades the leading edge. Conventional heat pipes contain bends or welds in the material that can compromise the structural integrity of the wing leading edge. Oscillating Heat Pipes (OHPs) are a newer form of heat pipe which can cool more efficiently than traditional heat pipes, and are easier to manufacture. NASA Ames Research Center has developed a novel additive manufacturing technique to manufacture OHPs from Refractory High Entropy Alloys (RHEAs). These OHPs are effective in hypersonic vehicles with sharp, shape-stable wing leading edges. Additive manufacturing allows for enhancements such as alternating-diameter channels, allowing for changes in pressure.