An experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of liquid metal measurement technology, specifically disclosing an experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals. The apparatus includes a transmission imaging component, a vacuum component, a liquid metal loading component, a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a cooling component. The liquid metal loading component is connected within the vacuum component and is used to load the liquid metal. The vacuum component provides a vacuum environment for the liquid metal during the experiment. The heating component is connected to the liquid metal loading component. The temperature sensor is positioned directly opposite the liquid metal loading component. The transmission imaging component is positioned directly opposite the vacuum component. The cooling component is connected to the liquid metal loading component. This invention enables the detection of the thermal conductivity of liquid metals at different temperatures and film thicknesses, the detection of the effect of temperature rise changes on the morphology of liquid metals, the detection of the contact thermal resistance of liquid metals, and the detection of liquid metal dripping under different operating conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of liquid metal measurement technology, specifically an experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals. Background Technology

[0002] As electronic devices continue to become smaller and more integrated, the heat flux density per unit area is increasing dramatically. Ineffective heat dissipation can lead to decreased device performance, shortened lifespan, and even malfunctions. Thermal interface materials, as the key medium connecting heat-generating devices and heat sinks, directly affect heat dissipation, and contact thermal resistance is one of the important indicators for evaluating the performance of thermal interface materials.

[0003] Liquid metals, with their superior properties such as high thermal conductivity and low viscosity, have become a promising next-generation thermal interface material. For example, gallium-based liquid metals can achieve a thermal conductivity of 20-30 W / (m•K), far exceeding that of traditional thermal interface materials such as silicone grease, effectively reducing contact thermal resistance and improving heat dissipation efficiency. However, in practical applications, the thermal conductivity of liquid metals varies with different film thicknesses and temperatures, and their contact thermal resistance exhibits complex variation patterns. Furthermore, under the influence of gravity, they may detach from the thermal interface. Liquid metals, such as indium gallium solutions, can also undergo a permeation reaction with high thermal conductivity solid metals such as copper and aluminum, causing these metals to become embrittled and potentially damaging the device. Existing testing devices on the market cannot comprehensively and accurately simulate actual operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an experimental device for measuring the properties of liquid metals, which can detect the thermal conductivity of liquid metals at different temperatures and film thicknesses, detect the effect of temperature rise changes on the morphology of liquid metals, detect the contact thermal resistance of liquid metals, and detect the situation of liquid metal dripping under different operating conditions.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] An experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metal includes a transmission imaging component, a vacuum component, a liquid metal loading component, a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a cooling component. The liquid metal loading component is connected within the vacuum component and is used to load liquid metal. The vacuum component provides a vacuum environment for the liquid metal during the experiment. The heating component is connected to the liquid metal loading component and is used to heat the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading component. The temperature sensor is positioned facing the liquid metal loading component and is used to detect the temperature of the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading component. The transmission imaging component is positioned facing the vacuum component and is used to image the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading component. The cooling component is connected to the liquid metal loading component and is used to cool the liquid metal loading component.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the vacuum assembly includes a housing and a vacuum pumping assembly. The housing has an internal cavity, and the liquid metal loading assembly is located within the cavity. The vacuum pumping assembly is connected to one side of the housing and is used to evacuate the cavity. The housing is provided with a terminal interface for wiring the temperature sensor and the heating assembly.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the air extraction assembly includes a knob, a flange pipe, an air extraction cylinder, a pipe joint, a sealing assembly, a pull rod, and a plug. One end of the pipe joint is connected to the housing, and the other end is connected to one end of the air extraction cylinder. One end of the pull rod is slidably connected inside the air extraction cylinder and detachably connected to the plug. The other end of the pull rod extends outside the air extraction cylinder and is connected to the knob. The sliding distance between the pull rod and the air extraction cylinder is limited by the length of a groove provided between them. The plug is slidably connected in the channel connecting the pipe joint and the housing, and is limited to the pipe joint by a step inside the pipe joint. The flange pipe is connected to the middle of the air extraction cylinder. The two sides of the sealing assembly are respectively connected to the pull rod and the other end of the air extraction cylinder, and the sealing assembly is used for sliding sealing between the pull rod and the air extraction cylinder.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the pipe fitting includes a threaded pipe, a locking nut, and a sealing gasket. The locking nut is slidably connected to the end of the suction cylinder away from the knob and is limited by a protrusion and a groove between the locking nut and the suction cylinder. The sealing gasket is located on the end face of the groove inside the suction cylinder. One end of the threaded pipe is sealed to the housing, and the other end is threaded to the locking nut and sealed to the end of the suction cylinder away from the knob by the sealing gasket. The plug is slidably connected inside the threaded pipe and is slidably sealed by an O-ring between the two.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the cooling assembly includes a water-cooled cover plate, an adjusting rod, a heat conduction cable, a pressure plate, and a limiting structure. The water-cooled cover plate has a water-cooling channel with an inlet and an outlet connected in series. The water-cooled cover plate is used to seal the end of the housing. The adjusting rod passes through the water-cooled cover plate and extends into the housing. One end of the adjusting rod extending into the housing is connected to the pressure plate. One end of the heat conduction cable is connected to the pressure plate, and the other end is connected to the liquid metal loading assembly. The limiting structure is connected to the water-cooled cover plate. The adjusting rod moves relative to the water-cooled cover plate through the limiting structure. The liquid metal loading assembly transfers heat through the heat conduction cable. The heat conduction cable moves with the adjusting rod to either fit or separate from the water-cooled cover plate.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the limiting structure includes a fixed seat, a set screw, a dynamic seal, and a limiting plate. The fixed seat is provided with a sliding groove and is connected to the water-cooled cover plate. The adjusting rod passes through the sliding groove. The set screw is threadedly connected to the fixed seat. The adjusting rod is pressed against the sliding groove by the set screw. The dynamic seal is connected between the sliding groove and the adjusting rod. The adjusting rod slides and seals with the sliding groove through the dynamic seal. The limiting plate is located below the pressure plate and is connected to the bottom of the water-cooled cover plate. The pressure plate limits the downward movement position by a limiting plate.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the liquid metal loading assembly includes a thermally conductive support plate, an experimental plate, a liquid metal clamping plate, a liquid metal thickness limiting plate, and a suspension frame. The liquid metal thickness limiting plate is clamped between the experimental plate and the liquid metal clamping plate. The experimental plate and the liquid metal clamping plate are respectively fixed to the experimental plate pressure plate and the thermally conductive support plate. The liquid metal clamping plate can conduct heat through the thermally conductive support plate. The experimental plate pressure plate is connected to the suspension frame, and the suspension frame is connected to the water-cooled cover plate. After the experimental plate pressure plate and the thermally conductive support plate are connected to each other, they are fixed in the box body through the suspension frame and the water-cooled cover plate. The heat-conducting tape is connected to the thermally conductive support plate, and the thermally conductive support plate conducts heat through the heat-conducting tape.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the heating assembly includes heating elements and heat plate pressing plates. There are multiple heating elements, which are respectively connected to the thermally conductive support plate and the experimental plate pressing plate. The heating elements are pressed together with the thermally conductive support plate and the experimental plate pressing plate through the heat plate pressing plates on the outside of the heating elements. The heating elements can heat the liquid metal clamping plate and the experimental plate through the thermally conductive support plate and the experimental plate pressing plate.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the liquid metal loading assembly also includes a support frame and a collection tank. The support frame is connected between the water-cooled cover plate and the housing. The collection tank is located below the liquid metal thickness limiting plate and is fixed inside the housing by connecting it to the support frame. The collection tank is used to collect liquid metal that drips during the experiment.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the temperature sensor is connected to a sensor platen, which is connected to the side of the thermally conductive support plate and the experimental platen away from the liquid metal thickness limiting plate.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0017] This invention uses heating and cooling components to regulate the temperature of the liquid metal within a liquid metal loading assembly. A vacuum component provides a vacuum-like environment for the liquid metal, reducing gas interference and facilitating precise temperature and pressure control. This ensures testing accuracy and verifies the heat transfer performance of liquid metal in special scenarios such as aerospace. A temperature sensor detects the temperature of the liquid metal loading assembly, and the obtained temperature is converted into the thermal conductivity of the liquid metal to evaluate its relative heat transfer performance. A transmission imaging component performs transmission imaging on the liquid metal within the loading assembly to detect dripping.

[0018] The vacuum assembly of this invention consists of a housing and an air extraction assembly. The air extraction assembly consists of a knob, a flange pipe, an air extraction cylinder, a pipe joint, a sealing assembly, a pull rod, and a plug. The overall structure is simple and can meet the vacuum requirements of the housing.

[0019] The liquid metal loading assembly of the present invention includes a thermally conductive support plate, an experimental plate pressure plate, an experimental plate, a liquid metal clamping plate, a liquid metal thickness limiting plate, and a suspension frame, which can realize the loading of experimental liquid metal, facilitate its assembly into the box, and make it convenient to perform transmission imaging.

[0020] This invention allows the heat that interferes with experimental data to be discharged through the water-cooling component by attaching the heat conduction tape to the water-cooling cover plate, so that the temperature sensor can measure the heat value transferred by the liquid metal as much as possible.

[0021] This invention enables the detection of liquid metal at different film thicknesses by selecting the thickness of the liquid metal thickness limiting plate.

[0022] The overall structure of this invention is reasonably designed, meets experimental requirements, and can guarantee the success rate and safety of experiments. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the vacuum assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the pull rod in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the threaded pipe in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the pressure plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the adjusting rod of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the collection tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the liquid metal loading assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Evacuation assembly; 2. Pipe fitting; 3. Cooling assembly; 4. Handle; 5. Housing; 6. Base plate; 7. Transmission window; 8. Observation window; 9. Liquid metal loading assembly; 10. Collection tank; 11. Stand; 101. Knob; 102. Spacer ring; 103. Flange pipe; 104. Sealing gasket; 105. Locking nut; 106. Evacuation cylinder; 107. Pull rod; 108. PTFE sealing ring; 109. Sealing clamp; 201. Plug; 202. Threaded pipe; 203. Static sealing ring; 204. O-ring; 301. Water cooling. Cover plate; 302, set screw; 303, adjusting rod; 304, adjusting nut; 305, flat washer; 306, fixing base; 307, terminal interface; 308, water inlet; 309, water outlet; 310, with pressure plate; 311, limiting plate; 312, internal hexagonal screw plug; 901, heating element pressure plate; 902, heating element; 903, experimental plate pressure plate; 904, experimental plate; 905, suspension bracket; 906, heat conduction tape; 907, liquid metal clamp; 908, liquid metal thickness limiting plate; 909, sensor pressure plate; 910, thermally conductive support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] See Figure 1 As shown, an experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metal includes a transmission imaging component, a vacuum component, a liquid metal loading component 9, a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a cooling component 3. The exterior of the vacuum component is as shown. Figure 1 As shown, the liquid metal loading assembly 9 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, cooling component 3 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the heating component is as follows Figure 7As shown, the liquid metal loading assembly 9 is connected inside the vacuum assembly. The liquid metal loading assembly 9 is used to load liquid metal. The vacuum assembly is used to provide a vacuum environment for the liquid metal during the experiment. The heating assembly is connected to the liquid metal loading assembly 9 and is used to heat the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading assembly 9. Temperature sensors are set facing the liquid metal loading assembly 9 and are used to detect the temperature of the experimental plate and the liquid metal clamping plate inside the liquid metal loading assembly 9. The transmission imaging assembly is set facing the vacuum assembly and is used to image the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading assembly 9. The cooling assembly 3 is connected to the liquid metal loading assembly 9 and is used to cool the thermally conductive support plate 910 and the liquid metal clamping plate 907 in the experimental mode of measuring the contact thermal resistance of liquid metal.

[0034] The arrangement of cooling component 3 and vacuum component can be more than just... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the water-cooling pipes can be designed to surround the base plate 6, and the other parts can be set accordingly.

[0035] Its working principle is as follows: the liquid metal in the liquid metal loading assembly 9 is regulated at different temperatures through the heating and cooling components 3; the vacuum component provides a vacuum-like environment for the liquid metal loaded in the liquid metal loading assembly 9 to reduce gas interference, which facilitates precise control of temperature and pressure, ensures test accuracy, and verifies the heat transfer performance of liquid metal in special scenarios such as aerospace. The temperature of the liquid metal loading assembly 9 is detected by the temperature sensor, and the thermal conductivity of the liquid metal is converted from the temperature to evaluate its relative heat transfer performance. The liquid metal in the liquid metal loading assembly 9 is imaged by the transmission imaging component to detect the dripping situation.

[0036] In some embodiments, the vacuum assembly includes a housing 5 and a vacuum pumping assembly 1, the housing 5 having an internal cavity, such as... Figure 6 The liquid metal loading assembly 9 shown is located inside the cavity, and the vacuum assembly 1 is connected to one side of the housing 5. The vacuum assembly 1 is used to evacuate the cavity, and the housing 5 is equipped with... Figure 4 The terminal interface 307 shown is used for wiring the temperature sensor and heating assembly. The vacuum assembly 1 evacuates the housing 5, and the terminal interface 307 seals the wiring points within the housing 5, maintaining a vacuum environment inside the housing 5. Wiring harnesses inside the cavity, such as the temperature sensor harness and the ceramic heating element 902 harness, are all led out through the terminal interface 307, ensuring the vacuum level within the cavity is maintained.

[0037] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the air extraction assembly 1 includes a knob 101, a flange pipe 103, an air extraction cylinder 106, a pipe connector 2, a sealing assembly, a pull rod 107, and a plug 201. One end of the pipe connector 2 is connected to the housing 5, and the other end of the pipe connector 2 is connected to one end of the air extraction cylinder. The pipe connector 2 and the plug 201 are shown in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown, one end of the pull rod 107 is slidably connected inside the suction cylinder and is detachably connected to the plug 201. The other end of the pull rod 107 extends out of the suction cylinder and is connected to a knob 101. The sliding distance between the pull rod 107 and the suction cylinder 106 is limited by the length of the groove provided between them. The plug 201 is slidably connected in the channel connecting the pipe joint 2 and the housing 5, and is limited by the step inside the pipe joint 2. The flange pipe 103 is connected to the middle of the suction cylinder 106. The two sides of the sealing assembly are respectively connected to the pull rod 107 and the other end of the suction cylinder 106. The sealing assembly is used for sliding sealing between the pull rod 107 and the suction cylinder 106. The upper flange of flange pipe 103 can be a KF40 flange, and its lower pipe body can be welded to the pipe wall of vacuum pump 106 for easy connection to vacuum pump. The sealing assembly can include PTFE sealing ring 108, spacer ring 102 and sealing clamp 109. Both are sequentially sleeved between pull rod 107 and vacuum pump 106. Sealing clamp 109 is threaded to the end of vacuum pump 106 near knob 101, and the sealing ring and spacer ring 102 are sealed and installed on the end of vacuum pump 106 near knob 101 by a boss. Sealing clamp 109 presses PTFE sealing ring 108 against the inner wall of vacuum pump 106. Through deformation, it contacts the inner wall of vacuum pump 106, thereby playing a sealing role when pumping. The advantages of using PTFE material are: first, it has a low coefficient of friction, making it easier to pull pull rod 107; second, it utilizes the compression deformation characteristics of PTFE to achieve a sealing effect on the vacuum inside the cavity. This prevents external gases from affecting the vacuum environment inside chamber 5. Pulling the lever 107 via knob 101 moves the plug 201, opening flange pipe 103. A vacuum pump connected to flange pipe 103 evacuates chamber 5. When the preset vacuum level is reached, pushing lever 107 via knob 101 moves plug 201 to seal pipe joint 2 and stops evacuation. A limiting boss is designed on the side of lever 107 that connects to the suction cylinder 106. This boss allows lever 107 to pull plug 201 out and past flange pipe 103. The limiting boss contacts the bottom of the corresponding groove on the inner wall of suction cylinder 106, limiting the sliding distance and maximizing suction efficiency.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pipe connector 2 includes a threaded pipe 202, a locking nut 105, and a sealing gasket 104. The locking nut 105 is slidably connected to the end of the vacuum pump 106 away from the knob 101 and is slidably limited by the protrusion and groove provided between the locking nut 105 and the vacuum pump 106. The sealing gasket 104 is provided on the end face of the groove inside the vacuum pump 106. One end of the threaded pipe 202 is sealed to the housing 5, such as by a static sealing ring 203, and the other end is threaded to the locking nut 105 and sealed to the end of the vacuum pump 106 away from the knob 101 by the sealing gasket 104. The plug 201 is slidably connected inside the threaded pipe 202 and is slidably sealed by the O-ring 204 between the two. The sealing gasket 104 can be a rectangular cross-section gasket 104. Two O-rings 204 can be selected. When vacuuming, the locking nut 105 presses the sealing gasket 104 tightly, which seals the threaded tube 202 with the air outside the tube. The tube joint 2 has a through hole inside. The head of the pull rod 107 can be screwed into the plug 201 to achieve a detachable connection between the two. In this way, the pull rod 107 and the vacuum pump 106 can be disassembled as a whole. Under the action of the O-ring 204 and atmospheric negative pressure, the plug 201 presses the inner wall of the threaded tube 202 to ensure the vacuum degree inside the cavity.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the cooling assembly 3 includes a water-cooled cover plate 301, an adjusting rod 303, a heat transfer cable 906, a pressure plate 310, and a limiting structure. The water-cooled cover plate 301 has a water-cooling channel, and an inlet 308 and an outlet 309 are connected in series on the water-cooling channel. The heat transfer cable 906 is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the water-cooled cover plate 301 is used for sealing such as Figure 1 At the end of the housing 5 shown, the adjusting rod 303 passes through the water-cooled cover plate 301 and extends into the housing 5. One end of the adjusting rod 303 extending into the housing 5 is connected to a pressure plate 310. One end of the heating cable 906 is connected to the pressure plate 310, and the other end of the heating cable 906 is connected to... Figure 6The liquid metal loading assembly 9 is connected to the limiting structure and the water-cooled cover plate 301. The adjusting rod 303 moves relative to the water-cooled cover plate 301 through the limiting structure. The liquid metal loading assembly 9 transfers heat through the heat conduction cable 906. The heat conduction cable 906 moves with the adjusting rod 303 to be in contact with or separate from the water-cooled cover plate 301. The water-cooled cover plate 301 can be integrally formed from materials with good thermal conductivity, such as copper. The water-cooling channel can also be fitted with an internal hexagonal plug 312 for water discharge. An "F"-shaped hole can be drilled inside the water-cooled cover plate 301. The inlet 308 and outlet 309 are connected to the upper end of the "F"-shaped hole on the same side. The internal hexagonal plug 312 is connected to the lower end of the "F"-shaped hole. The inlet 308 and outlet 309 are connected to the pagoda connector and connected to the external circulation water pipe. The through-hole is blocked with the internal hexagonal plug 312 to ensure that the water flows inside the water-cooled cover plate 301. This integral processing method greatly reduces the processing cost while ensuring sufficient heat dissipation. In contrast, the traditional design using vacuum brazing oxygen-free copper pipes has higher brazing costs and the cooling efficiency of the split type is not as high as that of integral processing. Meanwhile, the water-cooled cover plate 301 also serves as an end cap. A sealing groove is opened on the side that contacts the housing 5 of the vacuum component to place the sealing ring. After tightening, it can maintain the vacuum state inside the cavity. The material used is oxygen-free copper, which has high thermal conductivity. In order to prevent reaction with liquid metals such as indium gallium solution, nickel plating is required on the surface.

[0040] The limiting structure includes a fixed seat 306, a set screw 302, a dynamic seal, and a limiting plate 311. The fixed seat 306 is provided with a sliding groove and is connected to the water-cooled cover plate 301. An adjusting rod 303 passes through the sliding groove. The set screw 302 is threadedly connected to the fixed seat 306. The adjusting rod 303 is pressed against the sliding groove by the set screw 302. The dynamic seal is connected between the sliding groove and the adjusting rod 303. The adjusting rod 303 slides and seals with the sliding groove through the dynamic seal. The limiting plate 311 is located below the pressure plate 310 and is connected to the bottom of the water-cooled cover plate 301. The dynamic seal can be a fluororubber sealing ring. The pressure plate 310 limits the downward movement position by the limiting plate. The adjusting rod 303 has a sealing groove on its circumferential surface for installing a fluororubber sealing ring, ensuring that the vacuum level inside the chamber 5 is not disrupted when the adjusting rod 303 moves up and down. An adjusting nut 304 is connected to the upper end of the adjusting rod 303, which is locked to the fixed seat 306 by a flat washer 305, serving as a limit for the upper part of the adjusting rod 303. Rotating the adjusting nut 304 controls the movement of the adjusting rod 303. The lower end is connected to a pressure plate 310. The up-and-down movement of the adjusting rod 303 drives the pressure plate 310, thereby controlling the contact and separation of the heat transfer cable 906 and the water-cooled cover plate 301. The heat transfer cable 906 can be made of thermally conductive copper braid. To prevent the adjusting nut 304 from being over-rotated, causing the fluororubber sealing ring on the adjusting rod 303 to detach from the water-cooled cover plate 301 and disrupting the vacuum, a limiting device, namely a limiting plate 311, is required to ensure that the pressure plate 310 moves within a certain stroke range. The upper half of the adjusting rod 303 has its circumferential surface flattened. This flattening provides a clamping surface for the pliers, preventing the adjusting rod 303 from rotating when the adjusting nut 304 is tightened. It also serves as a limit, meaning that once the adjusting rod 303 reaches a certain position, the locking screw 302 presses against the flattened surface, preventing the adjusting rod 303 from rotating on its own. It is conceivable that adjusting the adjusting rod 303 can also drive the pressure plate 310 to move vertically and vertically without the adjusting nut 304 or the flat washer 305, such as by using grippers to clamp the adjusting rod 303 and control its vertical movement. Such actions should also be covered within the scope of this application.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, considering the weight of the entire device, handles 4 are designed on both sides of the cavity for easy handling. It should be noted that the threaded holes should not penetrate the vacuum components. The bottom of the box 5 can be detachably connected to the base plate 6 to form a seal. The contact side has a sealing groove for placing the sealing ring, which is used to maintain the vacuum state inside the cavity after tightening.

[0042] In some embodiments, the transmission imaging component can be an X-ray in-situ transilluminator. The cavity of the housing 5 has four sealed windows, which can be divided into transmission windows 7 and observation windows 8. In the micro-nano engineering laboratory, the X-rays from the scanning microscope penetrate the transmission windows 7 and irradiate the liquid metal loading component, allowing real-time observation of the liquid metal's state and improving imaging quality. To ensure good contrast in the image during observation, the transmission window 7 is made of a material with good contrast; this device uses PEEK material. The side observation window 8 uses H-K9L material for visual observation of the liquid metal droplet's state.

[0043] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 The liquid metal loading assembly 9 shown includes, for example: Figure 7 The diagram shows a thermally conductive support plate 910, an experimental plate pressure plate 903, an experimental plate 904, a liquid metal clamping plate 907, a liquid metal thickness limiting plate 908, and a suspension bracket 905. The liquid metal thickness limiting plate 908 is clamped between the experimental plate 904 and the liquid metal clamping plate 907. The experimental plate 904 and the liquid metal clamping plate 907 are respectively fixed on the experimental plate pressure plate 903 and the thermally conductive support plate 910. The liquid metal clamping plate 907 conducts heat through the thermally conductive support plate 910. The experimental plate pressure plate 903 is connected to the suspension bracket 905, and the suspension bracket 905 is connected to the water-cooled cover plate 301. After the experimental plate 904 and the liquid metal clamping plate 907 are connected to the experimental plate pressure plate 903 and the thermally conductive support plate 910 respectively, they are fixed inside the housing 5 through the suspension bracket 905 and the water-cooled cover plate 301. The heat conduction cable 906 is connected to the thermally conductive support plate 910, and the thermally conductive support plate 910 conducts heat through the heat conduction cable 906.

[0044] The heating assembly includes a heating element 902 and a heating element pressure plate 901. The heating element 902 is disposed between the heating element pressure plate 901, the thermally conductive support plate 910, and the experimental plate pressure plate 903. The heating element 902 is pressed tightly against the thermally conductive support plate 910 and the experimental plate pressure plate 903 by the heating element pressure plate 901. The heating element 902 can heat the liquid metal clamping plate 907 and the experimental plate 904 through the thermally conductive support plate 910 and the experimental plate pressure plate 903. The number and area of ​​the heating elements 902 can be set according to requirements.

[0045] The heating element 902 can be a ceramic heating element 902. The thermally conductive support plate 910 and the experimental plate pressure plate 903 are nickel-plated oxygen-free copper plates. The liquid metal clamping plate 907 is a nickel-plated aluminum plate. The liquid metal thickness limiting plate 908 is a stainless steel sheet. The experimental plate 904 is the test plate used to study the correlation between the thermal conductivity of the liquid metal. The nickel-plated aluminum plate has excellent X-ray transmittance and good thermal conductivity, which can more accurately detect the real-time temperature of the liquid metal and better observe the morphological changes of the liquid metal under a scanning microscope. The stainless steel sheet is sandwiched between the nickel-plated aluminum plate and the test plate. The stainless steel material does not react with liquid metals such as indium gallium solutions.

[0046] Other options include the materials mentioned above, which can be selected based on their required performance; details will not be elaborated here.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the liquid metal loading assembly 9 also includes a support frame 11 and a collection tank 10. The support frame 11 is connected between the water-cooled cover plate 301 and the housing 5. The collection tank 10 is located below the liquid metal thickness limiting plate 908 and is fixed inside the housing 5 by connecting to the support frame 11. The collection tank 10 is used to collect the liquid metal dripping during the experiment. Since liquid metal has a certain degree of corrosiveness, direct contact with metals with high thermal conductivity such as pure copper and aluminum alloys will cause a diffusion reaction, leading to embrittlement of pure copper and aluminum alloys. Therefore, it is necessary to collect the liquid metal dripping during the experiment. In this invention, the collection tank 10 can be made of PEEK material. The liquid metal is discharged from the guide channel on the nickel-plated aluminum plate and drips into the collection tank 10 under the action of gravity. At the same time, both ends are connected to the support frame 11, which can enhance the stability of the support frame 11. When it is necessary to operate the liquid metal loading assembly 9, the screws of the water-cooled cover plate 301 can be removed directly, the whole assembly can be taken out of the cavity of the housing 5, and the support frame 11 can be placed on the experimental table.

[0048] Temperature sensors are connected to sensor plate 909, which is connected to the side of thermally conductive support plate 910 and experimental plate plate 903 away from liquid metal thickness limiting plate 908. Temperature sensors on both sides can be installed in corresponding slots of temperature sensor plate 909, pressing the temperature sensors firmly at the geometric center of liquid metal clamping plate 907 and experimental plate 904 for real-time detection of temperature values ​​at these two locations.

[0049] The thickness of the liquid metal in the experiment can be controlled by selecting liquid metal thickness limiting plates 908 of different thicknesses. Generally, the liquid metal is dripped onto the inner surface of the experimental plate 904 and the liquid metal clamping plate 907 through a dispensing machine (similar to a syringe). The liquid metal is evenly spread across the experimental surface by the surface tension of the liquid metal until it overflows. This method can accurately ensure the thickness of the liquid metal film and is relatively inexpensive. In the experimental mode of studying the effect of temperature rise on the morphology of liquid metal, the heat conduction tape 906 is first separated from the water-cooled cover plate 301. The four ceramic heating elements 902 on the heat conduction support plate 910 and the experimental plate pressure plate 903 work or stop simultaneously. When the heating elements 902 work, they transfer heat to the liquid metal clamping plate 907 and the experimental plate 904, heating the liquid metal in the interlayer. The morphology of the liquid metal changes with temperature rise is observed in real time by a transmission imaging component. In the experimental mode for detecting the contact thermal resistance of liquid metal, the heating element 902 on one side of the thermally conductive support plate 910 stops working, and the heating element 902 on the side of the experimental plate pressure plate 903 starts working. At the same time, the adjusting rod 303 is turned to raise the heating element 906 along with the pressure plate 310, so that the heating element 906 is in contact with the water-cooled cover plate 301. The heat that interferes with the experimental data is discharged through the water-cooling component, so that the temperature sensor can measure the heat value transferred by the liquid metal as much as possible. The thermal resistance of the liquid metal can be calculated by the data of the temperature sensors on both sides of the center.

[0050] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0051] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. An experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals, characterized in that, The system includes a transmission imaging component, a vacuum component, a liquid metal loading component (9), a temperature sensor, a heating component, and a cooling component (3). The liquid metal loading component (9) is connected inside the vacuum component and is used to load liquid metal. The vacuum component is used to provide a vacuum environment for the liquid metal during experiments. The heating component is connected to the liquid metal loading component (9) and is used to heat the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading component (9). The temperature sensor is positioned opposite the liquid metal loading component (9) and is used to detect the temperature of the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading component (9). The transmission imaging component is positioned opposite the vacuum component and is used to image the liquid metal inside the liquid metal loading component (9). The cooling component (3) is connected to the liquid metal loading component (9) and is used to cool the liquid metal loading component (9). The vacuum assembly includes a housing (5) with an interior cavity, and the liquid metal loading assembly (9) is located inside the cavity; The cooling assembly (3) includes a water-cooled cover plate (301), an adjusting rod (303), a heat transfer cable (906), a pressure plate (310), and a limiting structure. The water-cooled cover plate (301) has a water-cooling channel, and an inlet (308) and an outlet (309) are connected in series on the water-cooling channel. The water-cooled cover plate (301) is used to seal the end of the housing (5). The adjusting rod (303) passes through the water-cooled cover plate (301) and extends into the housing (5). One end of the adjusting rod (303) extending into the housing (5) is connected to the pressure plate. Plate (310), one end of the heat conduction tape (906) is connected to the pressure plate (310), the other end of the heat conduction tape (906) is connected to the liquid metal loading assembly (9), the limiting structure is connected to the water-cooled cover plate (301), the adjusting rod (303) moves relative to the water-cooled cover plate (301) through the limiting structure, the liquid metal loading assembly (9) transfers heat through the heat conduction tape (906), and the heat conduction tape (906) moves through the adjusting rod (303) to be in contact with or separate from the water-cooled cover plate (301); The liquid metal loading assembly (9) includes a thermally conductive support plate (910), an experimental plate pressure plate (903), an experimental plate (904), a liquid metal clamping plate (907), a liquid metal thickness limiting plate (908), and a suspension bracket (905). The liquid metal thickness limiting plate (908) is clamped between the experimental plate (904) and the liquid metal clamping plate (907). The experimental plate (904) and the liquid metal clamping plate (907) are respectively fixed on the experimental plate pressure plate (903) and the thermally conductive support plate (910). The metal clamp (907) conducts heat through the heat-conducting support plate (910). The experimental plate pressure plate (903) is connected to the suspension frame (905). The suspension frame (905) is connected to the water-cooled cover plate (301). After the experimental plate pressure plate (903) and the heat-conducting support plate (910) are connected to each other, they are fixed in the box (5) through the suspension frame (905) and the water-cooled cover plate (301). The heat-conducting tape (906) is connected to the heat-conducting support plate (910). The heat-conducting support plate (910) conducts heat through the heat-conducting tape (906).

2. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vacuum assembly also includes a vacuum pumping assembly (1), which is connected to one side of the housing (5). The vacuum pumping assembly (1) is used to evacuate the cavity. The housing (5) is provided with a terminal interface (307), which is used for wiring the temperature sensor and the heating assembly.

3. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air extraction assembly (1) includes a knob (101), a flange pipe (103), an air extraction cylinder (106), a pipe connector (2), a sealing assembly, a pull rod (107), and a plug (201). One end of the pipe connector (2) is connected to the housing (5), and the other end of the pipe connector (2) is connected to one end of the air extraction cylinder. One end of the pull rod (107) is slidably connected inside the air extraction cylinder and is detachably connected to the plug (201). The other end of the pull rod (107) extends out of the air extraction cylinder and is connected to the knob (101). The sliding distance between the pipe connector (2) and the vacuum pump (106) is limited by the length of the groove provided between them. The plug (201) is slidably connected in the channel connecting the pipe connector (2) and the housing (5), and is limited by the step in the pipe connector (2). The flange pipe (103) is connected to the middle of the vacuum pump (106). The two sides of the sealing assembly are respectively connected to the pull rod (107) and the other end of the vacuum pump (106). The sealing assembly is used for sliding sealing between the pull rod (107) and the vacuum pump (106).

4. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pipe fitting (2) includes a threaded pipe (202), a locking nut (105), and a sealing gasket (104). The locking nut (105) is slidably connected to the end of the suction cylinder (106) away from the knob (101) and is slidably limited by the protrusion and groove provided between the locking nut (105) and the suction cylinder (106). The sealing gasket (104) is provided on the end face of the groove inside the suction cylinder (106). One end of the threaded pipe (202) is sealed to the housing (5), and the other end is threaded to the locking nut (105) and sealed to the end of the suction cylinder (106) away from the knob (101) by the sealing gasket (104). The plug (201) is slidably connected inside the threaded pipe (202) and is slidably sealed by the O-ring (204) between the two.

5. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting structure includes a fixed seat (306), a set screw (302), a dynamic seal, and a limiting plate (311). The fixed seat (306) is provided with a sliding groove. The fixed seat (306) is connected to the water-cooled cover plate (301), and the adjusting rod (303) passes through the sliding groove. The set screw (302) is threadedly connected to the fixed seat (306). The adjusting rod (303) is pressed against the sliding groove by the set screw (302). The dynamic seal is connected between the sliding groove and the adjusting rod (303). The adjusting rod (303) slides and seals with the sliding groove through the dynamic seal. The limiting plate (311) is set below the pressure plate (310) and connected to the bottom of the water-cooled cover plate (301). The pressure plate (310) limits the downward movement position by the limiting plate.

6. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating assembly includes heating elements (902) and heating element pressure plates (901). There are multiple heating elements (902), which are respectively connected to the heat-conducting support plate (910) and the experimental plate pressure plate (903). The heating elements (902) are pressed together with the heat-conducting support plate (910) and the experimental plate pressure plate (903) through the heating element pressure plate (901) on the outside of the heating elements (902). The heating elements (902) can heat the liquid metal clamping plate (907) and the experimental plate (904) through the heat-conducting support plate (910) and the experimental plate pressure plate (903).

7. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid metal loading assembly (9) also includes a support frame (11) and a collection tank (10). The support frame (11) is connected between the water-cooled cover plate (301) and the box body (5). The collection tank (10) is located below the liquid metal thickness limiting plate (908) and is fixed inside the box body (5) by connecting with the support frame (11). The collection tank (10) is used to collect the liquid metal that drips during the experiment.

8. The experimental apparatus for measuring the properties of liquid metals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is connected to the sensor plate (909), which is connected to the side of the thermally conductive support plate (910) and the experimental plate plate (903) away from the liquid metal thickness limiting plate (908).

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