【Seminar】Engineering Heat Flow with Tunable Thermal Systems

Abstract:

Thermal control plays a vital role across a range of technologies, from cooling electronics to generating electricity in power cycles and maintaining human comfort in buildings. However, traditional thermal systems rely on static or constant thermal resistances, limiting their efficiency and adaptability. In this talk, I will explore how heat transfer mechanisms, including phase change processes (e.g., evaporation and condensation), temperature-dependent conduction, and convection, can be leveraged to drive new functionalities such as thermal rectification (directiondependent heat flow) and regulation (passive on/off switching). These innovations pave the way for emerging applications such as next-generation refrigeration cycles, energy-efficient building climate control, and advanced thermal management for space technologies.

Profile:

Trevor Shimokusu is an assistant professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Professor Shimokusu obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2024 at Rice University, Houston Texas. He also obtained his B.S. In Mechanical Engineering in 2019 from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa in 2019, receiving the honor of Outstanding Graduating Senior, for highest academic achievement. Professor Shimokusu focuses on heat transfer and microfluidics, focusing on designing smart, tunable thermal systems that enable dynamic and adaptive thermal responses, pushing beyond the limitations of conventional approaches.

Zoom:

Zoom information will be emailed to registrants.

Registration:

https://forms.gle/cfptxyDVpoxK3pLk6
Please RSVP before December 9 17:00 JST