Impact of geometrical characteristics on the condensate retention and frost formation on metal foams

Metal foams has been considered as promising materials for multiple thermal applications including air-cooling. Their use in such an application requires a detailed analysis of the condensate retention and frost accumulation in the metal foam pores. The current study is focused on the impact of geometry on the performance of metal foams when they are deployed in dehumidifying and frosting environment. Aluminum and cooper foam samples with different pore size have been used in experiments and the associated condensate retention and frost accumulation on the surface has been measured. High resolution imaging techniques has been used to illustrate the impact of metal foam geometry. The findings have been summarized in form of guidelines for the application of metal foam in air cooling application where the condensation and frost formation cannot be avoided.