A comparison of heat sink geometries for laminar forced convection: Numerical simulation of periodically developed flow

In this study, we have attempted to compare the heat transfer performance of various commonly used fin geometries. Realistic, manufacturable geometries are optimized for minimization of thermal resistance at moderate laminar air velocities. The basis of comparison was chosen to be a circular array of 1 mm diameter pin fins with a 2 mm pitch. The pitch-to-width ratio of the other geometries were chosen to provide equal ratios of fin area to base area. CFD simulations were carried out in a two-dimensional computational domain bounded by planes of symmetry parallel to the flow. The air velocity was in the range of 0.5 to 5 m/s. A comparison of heat transfer coefficients and pressure drops is presented.