Optimization of a radial flow heat sink under natural convection

A steady-state three-dimensional numerical model is developed to predict natural convection heat transfer from a radial flow heat sink. The considered medium is air. The effect of several design parameters, such as the fin length and height, number of fins, the heat sink base radius, on heat transfer is investigated. The Taguchi method, known to be a very useful tool for selecting the best levels of control factors, is employed. Five factors and four levels for each factor are chosen. Sixteen kinds of models are analyzed, the total heat transfer for each model is obtained. The results are used to estimate the optimum design values of the parameters affecting the heat sink performance. The reliability of these values is verified. The average heat transfer rate of the optimum model is shown to increase by 60% as compared to the reference model. Finally, the heat transfer data at different outer radii of the radial flow heat sink are correlated. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.