Optimization of vertical pin-fin heat sinks in natural convective heat transfer

摘要

The Aihara correlation is used to determine the optimal spacing and diameter for an isothermal array of fixed volume, appropriate for use with electronic equipment. A least-material optimization of these arrays is performed by extending the use of least-material single pin-fins to multiple pin-fin arrays. This analysis provides an engineering upper bound for heat dissipation from a fixed base area. The influence of the length of the pin-fin on the optimal horizontal spacing and diameter, and the optimal heat dissipation, from a fixed base area, are discussed, with reference to a specified heat sink configuration.