ITR-free thermal cloak

Thermal cloaks have been experimentally demonstrated by utilizing the bilayer or multilayer composite approach. The interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) makes the temperature discontinuous once heat trans-fers through the interface between two different materials. However, this effect has been totally ignored so far in the experiment of thermal cloaks. Here, we experimentally demonstrate an ITR-free thermal cloak that is made of a single material, which totally eliminates the disturbing effect of ITR. Our design is inspired by the concept of equivalent thermal conductivity, which is achieved by varying the cross section of heat transfer. The cloaking effect is experimentally confirmed in both steady-state and tran-sient cases, demonstrating excellent thermodynamic performance. The proposed scheme also enables the intrinsic realization of ITR-free multiphysics cloak employing only a single material.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Thermal cloaks have been demonstrated using bilayer or multilayer composites, but the effect of interfacial thermal resistance (ITR) has been ignored. This study experimentally demonstrates an ITR-free thermal cloak made of a single material, eliminating the disturbance caused by ITR. The design is inspired by equivalent thermal conductivity and achieves cloaking effect in steady-state and transient cases.