Investigating porosity of sintering porous copper structure with 3D micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (μCT)

Purpose: The paper presents studies on the structure intended to form a heat exchange element made of sintered porous Cu. Design/methodology/approach: Analyses of Cu foam exhibiting a cellular structure have been carried out using X-ray tomography. Findings: Samples of copper foam have been imaged at high resolution using a large-field, 3D micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (μCT) system, three-dimensional image blocks derived from the scans were examined as cross-sections along orthogonal planes and as perspective images, maneuvered to be viewed from any angle. Research limitations/implications: This work presents methods for obtaining pore size distributions for both the micro-pores and their interconnects. It‘s a matter of great significance for recognition of real structure of sintered porous elements and it’s utility mainly as heat transfer. Originality/value: The proposed X-ray method appears to be an excellent tool for determining the 3D structure of the sintered Cu foam. It should be used to improve changes detection in the structure of the foam itself, incurred to the effect of changes process appeared during heat transfer operation.