Flow Boiling in Microgap Coolers - Validation via Suborbital Flight, Year 4

This modest research program completes the effort that had to be terminated early in FY17. The focus is on completing testing of the previously developed micro-channel coolers. Specific efforts in this restart include the initial development of a miniature two-phase flow loop to be flown aboard a suborbital flight awarded by the NASA Flight Opportunities Program. Flight validation of the ground-testing results will complete the technology maturation required for near-term mission infusion.

This technology, once demonstrated in a zero-gravity environment, will allow direct cooling of high heat flux chips or laser heads, thus allowing use of higher power devices in a compressed space.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.