Numerical Investigation on Heat Transfer Characteristics of a Triangular Slotted Pin Fin Heat Sink

Abstract

The present work is proposed to perform a numerical investigation over a triangular slotted pin fin and solid pin fin heat sink for an inline and staggered fin arrangement. Problem geometry comprises a rectangular base with constant heat flux at its bottom. Pin fins with and without slots have been attached to the base in an inline and staggered arrangement. Before proceeding to the simulation over the heat sink, the size of the perforation is optimized by performing analysis over a single pin fin for various sizes of slots. Now, the simulation studies have been performed on four different configurations of the heat sink. Results are obtained for local temperature distribution, base temperature, Nusselt number, pressure drop, and system performance. The base temperature of the heat sink is less in perforated pin fin heat sink comparing with solid pin fin heat sink for both the arrangements at the given heat flux. A staggered arrangement offers a more rate of heat dissipation compared to an inline arrangement. Further, the Nusselt number, at all Reynolds numbers, of a perforated heat sink is more than that of a solid pin fin heat sink. The pressure drops are less in the perforated pin fin heat sink in comparison to that of a solid pin fin heat sink with an inline arrangement. Even the system performance, which signifies the thermal dissipation from the sink, is estimated for all four kinds of heat sinks.