Next Generation Heat Exchangers Using Ceramic Materials and Surface Morphologies

A ceramic material is proposed wherein surface morphologies are used which enhance the heat transfer performance and reduce heat exchanger weight and volume. This technology would provide a means by which next generation return fuel/air cooler (RFAC) heat exchanger systems could be improved upon. The basic concept is to increase the area-to-volume ratio by fabricating materials which have porous structures allowing for increased heat transfer over a reduced volume. Fabrication and testing will be done using silicon carbide as the ceramic material. In the Phase 1 Program, Ceramatec, Inc. will evaluate, fabricate, demonstrate and characterize the performance of these materials at a sub-scale level.