Analytical realization of complex thermal meta-devices

Weichen Li, Ole Sigmund and Xiaojia Shelly Zhang ()
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Weichen Li: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ole Sigmund: Technical University of Denmark
Xiaojia Shelly Zhang: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Fourier’s law dictates that heat flows from warm to cold. Nevertheless, devices can be tailored to cloak obstacles or even reverse the heat flow. Mathematical transformation yields closed-form equations for graded, highly anisotropic thermal metamaterial distributions needed for obtaining such functionalities. For simple geometries, devices can be realized by regular conductor distributions; however, for complex geometries, physical realizations have so far been challenging, and sub-optimal solutions have been obtained by expensive numerical approaches. Here we suggest a straightforward and highly efficient analytical de-homogenization approach that uses optimal multi-rank laminates to provide closed-form solutions for any imaginable thermal manipulation device. We create thermal cloaks, rotators, and concentrators in complex domains with close-to-optimal performance and esthetic elegance. The devices are fabricated using metal 3D printing, and their omnidirectional thermal functionalities are investigated numerically and validated experimentally. The analytical approach enables next-generation free-form thermal meta-devices with efficient synthesis, near-optimal performance, and concise patterns.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49630-1

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