Research Focus
The Multiscale Thermal Transport Research Laboratory investigates fluid flow and heat transfer across multiple length scales, combining experiments, computational modelling, and data-driven methods to develop novel cooling solutions for high-power-density applications. Our work encompasses both active and passive phase-change cooling techniques.
Active Cooling System
On the active side, we study spray cooling and flow boiling in microchannels, with emphasis on understanding the underlying physics — droplet impact, coalescence, bubble dynamics, and thin-film evaporation — through infrared thermography and high-speed imaging.
Passive Cooling System
On the passive side, we develop and characterize heat pipes, pulsating heat pipes, vapour chambers, and flat thermosyphons, with performance enhancement achieved through wettability modifications and novel wick architectures. Single-phase cooling techniques based on wall jets and impinging jets, relevant to combustor liner cooling, are also being explored.
Battery Thermal Management
These cooling strategies are further applied to battery thermal management for electric vehicles, where we investigate both liquid-cooled cold plate designs and direct immersion cooling approaches for lithium-ion cells.
Lab Director
Dr. Arvind Pattamatta
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Arvind Pattamatta is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Madras. He leads the Multiscale Thermal Transport Research Laboratory (MT²RL), where his group investigates fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena across multiple length scales. His research interests span spray cooling, flow boiling, heat pipes, battery thermal management, and data-driven thermal design. He has published over 175 research papers and has guided 56+ graduate students. Prof Arvind Pattamatta is also the founding coordinator for the ISRO-IIT Madras Centre of excellence for Fluid and Thermal sciences since 2025.
175+ Publications
56+ Students Guided
15 Research Projects
Our Approach
We combine three complementary methodologies to advance thermal transport science
01
Experimental Methods
High-speed imaging, infrared thermography, and precision instrumentation to capture thermal-fluid phenomena at multiple scales.
02
Computational Modelling
CFD simulations, conjugate heat transfer analysis, and multiphase flow modelling to understand complex thermal systems.
03
Data-Driven Methods
Machine learning and AI-assisted design optimization for next-generation cooling solutions.
MT²RL at a Glance
175+
PUBLICATION
14
CURRENT STUDENTS
56+
GRADUATED
₹10Cr+
RESEARCH FUNDING
15
RESEARCH PROJECTS
17
COLLABORATORS
Facilities & Equipment
State-of-the-art infrastructure for cutting-edge thermal research
High-Speed Camera System
Phantom high-speed cameras for capturing rapid thermal-fluid events
Microchannel Flow Boiling Setup
Precision test section for flow boiling experiments
Infrared Thermography
FLIR thermal imaging systems for non-contact temperature measurement
Heat Pipe Testing Facility
Comprehensive characterization setup for heat pipes and vapor chambers
Spray Cooling Test Rig
Custom-designed experimental setup for spray cooling studies
Battery Thermal Test Bench
Dedicated facility for lithium-ion cell thermal management studies
Our Collaborators
17 collaborating institutions and organizations worldwide
IIT Bombay
Samsung R&D
IIT Delhi
Boeing India
NUS Singapore
Tata Motors
DRDO
Mahindra
ISRO
News & Highlights
