Session: Rising Stars of Mechanical Engineering Celebration & Showcase

Paper Number: 149740

149740 - Thermal Transport in Polymer Nanofibers Under Strain Modulation 

The increasing need for efficient heat dissipation in modern technologies necessitates materials that are not only excellent thermal conductors but also cost-effective, easy to manufacture, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Polymers, often the material of choice due to their versatility, meet most of these criteria. However, their inherently low thermal conductivity limits their application in advanced thermal management systems. This challenge has led to extensive research efforts aimed at enhancing the thermal conductivity of polymers to meet the demanding requirements of modern technology applications. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive understanding of the heat transfer mechanisms within polymers remains elusive. This knowledge gap poses a significant barrier to the development of polymers with high thermal conductivity, which are critically needed in various advanced technological applications. To address this challenge, this CAREER project seeks to develop an innovative experimental technique and provide a deeper understanding of thermal transport in polymer nanofibers. This research is integrated with educational and outreach activities designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers. These initiatives include a summer workshop on thermal engineering, extensive undergraduate research opportunities, and targeted outreach programs for underrepresented Native Hawaiian students, promoting diversity in STEM fields.

The primary objective of this research is to deeply understand mechanisms that govern thermal transport in polymer nanofibers. The complex relation between thermal transport, internal structure, and chemical composition of polymers poses numerous challenges and leaves many questions unanswered. This project proposes several research goals: 1) to develop an experimental platform capable of measuring the thermal transport properties of polymer nanofibers in response to strain modulation, 2) to investigate how thermal transport and internal structure are affected under various strain conditions, and 3) to explore the fundamental scientific principles that govern thermal transport within polymers. By successfully completing this project, significant insights into the relationship between the microstructure of polymer nanofibers and their thermal transport properties will be revealed. These findings are expected to uncover the mechanisms through which thermal transport can be enhanced under strain, which could be revolutionary for the field. The results will play a crucial role in establishing the principles necessary for designing and engineering polymers with high thermal conductivity.  Additionally, the device developed will be valuable not only for studying thermal transport in polymers but also in other nanomaterials such as 2D materials and nanowires. Such advancements are essential for a wide range of technological applications, from enhancing the performance and efficiency of electronic devices to improving thermal management solutions in various industrial sectors.

The primary objective of this research is to deeply understand the mechanisms of thermal transport in polymer nanofibers. Due to the complex interplay between thermal transport, internal structure, and chemical composition, many facets of polymer thermal transport remain unclear. This project proposes several research goals: 1) the development of an experimental platform to measure thermal transport properties in response to strain modulation, 2) the investigation of thermal transport and internal structure variations under different strain conditions, and 3) the exploration of fundamental scientific principles governing thermal transport in polymers. The successful completion of this project will elucidate the relationship between microstructure and thermal transport in polymer nanofibers, revealing the mechanisms that could enhance thermal transport under strain. These findings will be pivotal in establishing principles for designing and synthesizing high thermal conductivity polymers, crucial for a wide range of technological applications. 

Presenting Author: Woochul Lee University of Hawaii at Manoa

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Woochul Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he has worked since January 2018. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering (2008) from Yonsei University. He received MS (2010) and PhD (2014) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Afterwards, he was a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award. His research interests include nanoscale thermal transport, thermal energy conversion, quantum transport, and nanomaterials.

Authors: