Role of Random Roughness on Thermal Performance of Micro-Fins

Heat transfer in rough circular cylinder microfins is studied and a novel analytical model is developed. Surface roughness is assumed to posses a Gaussian isotropic distribution. It is shown that, as a result of roughness, both cross-sectional and surface areas are increased. As a result, an enhancement is observed in the heat transfer rate and thus the thermal performance of microfins. The present model can be implemented to analyze other geometries such as rectangular and tapered microfins.   This paper was also originally published as part of the Proceedings of the ASME 2005 Pacific Rim Technical Conference and Exhibition on Integration and Packaging of MEMS, NEMS, and Electronic Systems.