Multi-physics design of microvascular materials for active cooling applications

This paper describes a framework for the design of microvascular polymeric components for active cooling applications. The design of the embedded networks involves complex and competing objectives that are associated with various physical processes. The optimization tool includes a PDE solver based on advanced finite element techniques coupled to a multi-objective constrained genetic algorithm. The resulting Pareto-optimal fronts are investigated in the optimization of these materials for void volume fraction, flow efficiency, maximum temperature, and surface convection objective functions. 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.