Integrally cooled WrapToR truss structures with hierarchical vascular networks

High-energy physics experiments rely on high-performance tracking detectors composed of silicon sensors mounted on lightweight structures. These structures must not only provide adequate support but also incorporate a network of cooling fluid for sensor thermal management. The efficiency of the detector significantly influences the quality of experimental results. Current state-of-the-art tracking detectors utilise a network of metallic or plastic pipes containing cooling fluids. Despite the adequate cooling performance of this design, future tracking detectors will require more efficient cooling solutions to enhance their performance. Embedding a vascular cooling network within the composite laminate eliminates the need for foreign materials, enhancing thermal coupling, thermoelastic stability and overall through-thickness radiation length.

This work aims to develop a novel embedded vascular manufacturing method using the vaporisation of sacrificial components. Adequate geometric resolution of the vascular network within the carbon composite is required to support two-phase refrigerant flow, essential for high-energy physics sensor cooling. These embedded vascular networks will be integrated into Wrapped Tow Reinforced (WrapToR) truss structures developed at Bristol, with the network supplied by a hierarchical refrigerant delivery system, analogous to the fluid transport mechanisms of branches and leaves.

Enhanced geometric resolution of the embedded vascular networks coupled with a hierarchical fluid delivery mechanism is an unexplored yet promising area of research for applications with demanding thermal and mass requirements. These include high-energy physics sensor support structures, spacecraft primary structures and carbon composite battery casings. To achieve these aims, the following objectives are summarised as follows:

- Develop a robust and repeatable vascular fabrication technique with enhanced geometric resolution and capable of integration into a hierarchical fluid delivery system.
- Investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of a composite cold plate with an embedded pressurised refrigerant.
- Assess the long-term performance of a carbon composite under exposure to a two-phase refrigerant.