Optimization of a Parallel Plate Heat Sink Using Volume Averaging Theory

A parallel plate heat sink is optimized using a model based on the volume average theory (VAT). VAT is briefly developed and the numerical scheme is described. The numerical simulation is carried out in FORTRAN. The resulting VAT solutions are verified by comparison to experimental results via a Nusselt number correlation. The procedure for optimization is described and, as an example, a heat sink of a size appropriate for cooling a CPU is optimized for minimum thermal resistance, maximum effectiveness, and maximum heat transfer rate per unit volume. Seven parameters are included in the simulations: fin thickness, fin length, fin height, fin pitch to thickness ratio, base width, base thickness, and pore Reynold’s number. Three are chosen for optimization: fin height, fin pitch, and pore Reynolds number. The responses are optimized for an aluminum heat sink.