Shape optimization of lattice-frame materials obtained via additive manufacturing during air forced convection

This manuscript presents an experimental study on heat transfer and pressure drop of two aluminum lattice-frame materials obtained via additive manufacturing, varying the air flow rate and the electrical power. A round shape and an airfoil shape samples were compared. The second one was proposed to reduce pressure drops. It was measured that pressure drop decreased on average by 5% maintaining almost constant the heat transfer coefficient. It was demonstrated that the airfoil shaped sample can maintain the same junction temperature by lowering the pumping power by 75%. This data encourages further research on geometry optimization of LFMs.