Design and Validation of a Micro-Wind Tunnel for In- Situ Frost Formation Imaging in a Micro-CT Scanner

In-situ, three-dimensional imaging of frost formation is essential for accurately modelling dynamic growth processes and improving heat pump design. Volumetric imaging systems, such as CT and related techniques, are often limited by spatial constraints, thermal interference, and material compatibility. External growth techniques, on the other hand, may interfere with the frost layer or lack the spatial and temporal resolution needed to capture structural evolution. This work presents the development of a novel micro-wind tunnel designed to enable controlled frost formation within a Micro-CT scanner. The system reconciles the conflicting environmental requirements of frost formation and X-ray imaging. Through iterative design, computational validation, and experimental prototyping, it demonstrates stable thermal performance, laminar airflow, and imaging compatibility, laying the foundation for future in-situ studies of frost growth.