3D-printed thermal cloak hides objects from infrared cameras
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, alongside colleagues from the Technical University of Denmark, have developed an innovative 3D-printed thermal cloak capable of concealing objects from infrared detection. This novel technology smoothly redirects heat around designated regions while preserving thermal stability. Crafted from a unique aluminum framework and a low-conductive rubber-like substance known as PDMS, the cloak's performance is enhanced by adjusting the lattice structure. Tests revealed effective thermal management by maintaining a consistent heat pattern around an apple-shaped core encased in a pear-shaped shell, with future ambitions to create more advanced active thermal systems.
Key facts
- Researchers from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Technical University of Denmark developed a 3D-printed thermal cloak.
- The cloak uses an aluminum lattice and PDMS to redirect heat around objects.
- It works with irregular three-dimensional forms and changing heat flows.
- In tests, an apple-shaped core was hidden inside a pear-shaped shell.
- One side was heated to 40°C, the other cooled with iced water.
- After one hour, infrared images showed heat flowing around the object with minimal disturbance.
- The method was tested on face-like structures from digital surface data.
- Potential applications include protecting sensors, electronics, and batteries from extreme temperatures.
Entities
Artists
- Weichen Li
- Yibo Wang
- Ole Sigmund
- Xiaojia Shelly Zhang
Institutions
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Technical University of Denmark
- designboom
Locations
- Urbana-Champaign
- United States
- Denmark