Temperature Mapping Using Combined T-2 and Diffusion Weighted MRI of Encapsulated Phase Change Materials
- Skuntz, Matthew E. [ Montana State University: Chemical & Biological Engineering ]
- Anderson, Ryan [ Montana State University: Chemical & Biological Engineering ]
- Codd, Sarah L. [ Montana State University: Mechanical & Industrial Engineering ]
- Seymour, Joseph D. [ Montana State University: Chemical & Biological Engineering ]
A spin–spin T2 relaxation correlation with temperature is developed for core–shell particles containing eicosane. These phase change materials (PCMs) provide a novel NMR temperature sensor for studying spatial variations in packed bed heat transfer. Thermocouples are used to map the temperature field within the RF coil over a range of temperature. MRI T2 maps at fixed temperatures are then used to develop a direct correlation between the NMR relaxation and temperature, allowing temperature maps to be measured. It is shown that using the combined effects of T2 relaxation and diffusion weighting of the read imaging gradients, a robust temperature correlation can be developed.