Event Information

Convective Heat Transfer with Fiber and IR Sensors Friday, August 7, 2020 1:00 p.m. Virtual Seminar - Contact Coordinator to Register For More Information: Nicholas Thompson 301 405 2410 nthomps3@umd.edu Dr. Brian Fronk, Assistant Professor, Oregon State University   Abstract: In this virtual seminar, I will present our work using fiber optic and infrared sensing techniques to quantify single and multiphase heat transfer of refrigerant mixtures and supercritical fluids in conventional channels and additively manufactured devices. These advanced working fluids and heat exchanger designs can enable dramatic efficiency improvements of heating, cooling and power systems. The measurement techniques we are exploring enable spatial and temporal resolution of heat transfer coefficients that can reveal underlying physical phenomena and guide model development for the fluids and complex geometries. First, I will introduce research using a distributed fiber optic sensing technique to measure in-tube condensation heat transfer coefficients, and volumetric temperature maps of additive manufactured devices designed for extreme environments. This is followed by a discussion of IR measurements to understand local heat transfer phenomena of near-critical carbon dioxide. Biography: Brian Fronk is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University. His research interests include solar thermal power generation and chemical processing, building energy systems, the application of advanced manufacturing in heat and mass exchangers, and multiphase and supercritical heat transfer. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has held a prior position at Carrier Corp., working in carbon dioxide compression and transport refrigeration. He is the recipient of a NSF CAREER Award, the 2017 ASHRAE New Investigator Award, the Oregon State University International Service Award, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Oregon. This Event is For: Graduate • Undergraduate • Faculty • Staff