Journal of Brilliant Engineering (BEN)

M. Vefa Topçu Orhan Yıldırım Şendoğan Karagöz Sadık Erdoğan Mine Gürsaç Çelik

Low body temperature during surgery continues to be a common medical issue, often tied to poor blood clotting and slower tissue recovery. Instead of using conventional forced-air devices, this research examines a heat delivery method integrated into the surgical bed itself. A controlled system was created, circulating warm water through pathways inside the table surface to preserve normal body temperature without disturbing airflow patterns around the procedure area. Wooden models were shaped to test two different internal layouts: one followed a classic spiral pattern (Plate 1), while the other used an irregular, branching route ( Plate 2 ). Trials covered flow conditions from 4000 to 25000 Reynolds numbers, applying input heat ranging from 42 to 50 °C. Results indicated Plate 2 surpassed the conventional model, delivering an 18% higher mean Nusselt number under maximum flow. Despite fluctuations, thermal scans revealed consistent performance - surface temperatures varied only ±0.4°C on average. Throughout trials, readings stayed safely between 37 and 40°C, meeting required medical thresholds. Behind the improvement: carefully shaped channels likely trigger swirling motions that boost heat exchange. Rather than relying solely on external power, built-in conduction pathways offer a simpler path toward effective patient warming.

https://doi.org/10.36937/ben.2026.41110