Nano-scale heat transfer

ME-469

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General information and latest updates for the course

See "Project" and "Final Assignement" sections at the bottom of the page for files and info

Week 1

During this first week we will have 3h Lectures and no exercises/project time:

  • 09-11 I will give an intro to the course and first 2 lectures.
  • 11-12 Dr. Narmada Gopal will give an introduction to the use of the simulation software COMSOL.

Week 2

By 28.02.2022 the groups must be formed (4/5 students)

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Easter Break

No class

Week 10

Nanophotonics Laboratory Experience.

All 4hrs will be devoted to laboratory experience. We will communicate the practical organization ahead of time. 

Week 11

Week 12

Week 13

Hydrovoltaic Laboratory Experience. 

All 4hrs will be devoted to laboratory experience. We will communicate the practical organization ahead of time. 

Week 14 - Ascention Day

Final Assignment submission will be due on 09.06.2025 before 23:59h. 

Additional Topic - L16-19 [Chapters 7, 8]

Project Assignment

Files and Information about the Project Assignment

Mid-Term Exam

The solution to the mid-term exam will be posted here. 

Final Assignment 2025

Final Assignment

I have identified 8 topics on cutting-edge research in nanoscience for heat transfer and energy conversion. For each topic, I have selected a recent research paper. I have reported the link to the paper website and its abstract. 

Working in groups you must pick one topic and, prepare a report with the following parts:
  • Critical analysis of the assigned paper, including (i) main findings (ii) methodology (iii) discussion of the underlying physics (iv) controversial aspects (Hint: read not only the paper but also its supplementary information)
  • Literature review of the topic of the paper (Hint: start from the introduction of the paper and read the most important works that are cited there. Then, use google scholar to search whether there are even more recent papers that cite the one you picked. You will need to be connected to the EPFL VPN to have access to the papers)
  • Critical discussion of the major open questions and challenges in the field of the paper

Interesting Readings