Optimizing thermomagnetic convection for electronics cooling

The present work reports steady-state simulation of thermomagnetic convection in a square cavity filled with magnetic fluid. Two symmetrically placed, discrete, constant-flux, flush-mounted heaters on the bottom wall represent power-dissipating devices in microelectronics applications. The side walls are isothermal heat sinks. Convection is established by placing a line dipole below the bottom wall. Heat transfer and flow patterns are studied under different length and/or strength ratios of the heaters while the total heat supplied remains constant. The computational study helps determine the range in which the heater sizes and/or flux strengths may be varied so that the devices operate within "safe" temperature limits.