Theory for Chameleonlike Thermal Rotators: Extremely Anisotropic Conductivity

Abstract

AbstractIn this chapter, we propose a mechanism for intelligent thermal regulation based on transformation-invariant metamaterials, which possess highly anisotropic thermal conductivities. As an application, we design intelligent thermal rotators that can guide heat flux direction with different environmental parameters. Since the adaptive behavior is similar to chameleons, the present rotators are called chameleonlike rotators. We further perform finite-element simulations and laboratory experiments to validate the scheme and demonstrate the chameleonlike behavior. These results have potential applications for implementing adaptive and adjustable thermal metamaterials. Similar behaviors can also be expected in other fields, such as hydrodynamics.