In this study, infrared thermometry techniques were used to conduct surface wetting performance tests (wicking tests) on micropillar structures with good fluid supply capabilities to enhance the critical heat flux. Wicking tests were conducted based on various micropillar shapes (i.e., diameter and spacing) to investigate the surface wetting performance near the boiling point of the fluid(~100°C). The surface temperature was increased from 20°C to 95°C, to examine the wicking performance The shape of the micropillars were quantified by the roughness and the effect of the roughness and temperature on the wicking performance was analyzed. As a result, we confirmed that the roughness of the micropillars increases the capillary pressure, improving the wicking performance. The sample D04 G10 with the highest roughness coefficient at room temperature (r=2.51) exhibited the highest wicking coefficient, showing a 170% improvement in wicking performance compared to D04G20 with the smallest roughness coefficient at room temperature(r=1.51). Additionally, the D04 G10 sample (r=2.51) recorded a 50% improvement in the wicking coefficient at the highest temperature(95°C) compared to room temperature(20°C). The wicking coefficient data will be utilized as a database for developing a new correlation for critical heat flux.

Double slug interaction in downward-facing nucleate boiling was studied to investigate its effect on boiling performance. Two heating surfaces were individually controlled to apply heat flux while their boiling performance were measured. A slug generated from upper heater affect on lower heater to make convectional flow by suction following departure of slug. Moreover, it showed to reduce hovering time of slug bubble on lower heater because it could help bubble departure on lower heater. Meanwhile, a slug generated from lower heater affected on upper heater to make convectional flow by sweeping. However, it showed to increase hovering time of slug bubble on upper heater, because they collapsed to each other. So, the slugs from lower heater enhanced the boiling performance of upper heater with low heat flux condition, but reduced the performance of it with high heat flux condition.