Quality Prediction Applied to Transient Two-Phase Thermal Management Systems
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2025
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Abstract
As technology continually evolves and modern aircraft continue incorporating advanced electronics, efficient thermal management systems are becoming crucially important to overcome system instabilities. This research presents a novel approach to thermal management in aviation, focusing on the transient behavior of two-phase refrigerant systems under varying thermal loads. Employing electrical capacitance tomography (ECT), we dynamically monitor void fractions to develop a more accurate predictive model of refrigerant quality. The traditional reliance on static thermal models often leads to inaccurate predictions under dynamic conditions, particularly during transient phases where heat loads are not constant. Our study introduces an empirical correlation based on real-time ECT data, optimized for the refrigerant R-134a, and validated against experimental data. The results indicate a significant improvement over conventional methods, with the potential to enhance the design and efficiency of thermal management systems in modern aircraft. This research not only fills a critical gap by providing empirical validation but also suggests practical applications in enhancing system responsiveness and effectiveness under dynamic operating conditions.
Repository Citation
Roman, A. J.,
Carner, Z.,
Wanstall, C. T.,
& Wolff, M.
(2025). Quality Prediction Applied to Transient Two-Phase Thermal Management Systems. Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, 39 (4), 724-735.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/mme/635
DOI
10.2514/1.T7107
