Surface topology manipulation for performance enhancement of additively manufactured fluid-interacting components

Abstract

Methods and systems for manipulating surface topology of additively manufactured fluid interacting structures, such as additively manufactured heat exchangers or airfoils, and associated additively manufactured articles, are disclosed. In one aspect, an article which interacts with a fluid is imparted with surface topology features which affect performance parameters related to the fluid flow. The topological features may be sequenced, combined, intermixed, and functionally varied in size and form to locally manipulate and co-optimize multiple performance parameters at each or selectable differential lengths along a flow path. The co-optimization method may uniquely prioritize selectable performance parameters at different points along the flow path to improve or enhance overall system performance. Topological features may include design features such as dimples, fins, boundary layer disruptors, and biomimicry surface textures, and manufacturing artefacts such as surface roughness and subsurface porosity distribution and morphology.