Taming heat: a novel theory enables unprecedented control of heat conduction

Prof. Gal Shmuel of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has developed an innovative theory that enables precise control of heat conduction in ways that do not occur naturally. The breakthrough could lead to new applications in energy harvesting and in protecting heat-sensitive devices. The research, conducted in collaboration with Prof. John R. Willis of the University of Cambridge, was recently published in Physical Review Letters.

The researchers’ approach is based on designing materials with asymmetric and nonuniform microstructures, inspired by similar methods previously developed for controlling light and sound — but never applied before to heat conduction. The challenge in adapting these ideas stems from the fact that light and sound propagate as waves, while heat spreads through a spontaneous process known as diffusion.

The solution developed by Profs. Willis and Shmuel relies on a unique homogenization method that accurately maps the average heat flow in composite materials. Using this method, the two propose thermal metamaterials (engineered materials with thermal properties not found in nature) in which the average heat flow is asymmetric: the heat flow pattern depends on the direction from which it enters the material.

This engineered asymmetry makes it possible to “tame heat,” guiding it in desired directions. According to Prof. Shmuel, “This capability is essential for various technological applications. It expands our toolkit for managing heat and offers new solutions for protecting temperature-sensitive electronics and efficiently routing heat in thermal energy harvesting systems.”

The research was supported by the European Union through the prestigious ERC Consolidator grant.

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In the photo: Prof. Gal Shmuel
In the illustration: An innovative theory for heat transport in matter