A heat exchanger includes a core adapted to heat air with counter-flowing
hot gases. Substantially isothermal hot and cool portions of the core are
interconnected by a matrix portion exposed to a temperature gradient. A
top sheet is positioned over the core and includes first and second ends
and a middle portion between the first and second ends. The middle portion
includes a window and compliant ligament portions extending alongside the
window and interconnecting the first and second ends. The first and second
ends of the top sheet are positioned over the isothermal cool and hot
portions of the core, respectively, and the middle portion of the top
sheet is positioned over the matrix portion of the core. The compliant
ligament portions of the top sheet are deflectable in response to the
temperature gradient across the matrix portion of the core to reduce
strain on and deflection of the first and second ends of the top sheet.