Numerical modelling of turbulent heat transfer from discrete heat sources in a liquid-cooled channel

Abstract

Two-dimensional forced convection heat transfer between two plates with flush-mounted discrete heat sources on one plate to simulate electronics cooling is studied numerically using a finite difference method. The two plates form part of a liquid-cooled rectangular channel. The high Reynolds number form of the k-ε turbulence model is used for the computations, which are performed for the liquids water and FC-72 over a range of Reynolds numbers from 10 4 to 1.5 x 10 5. The numerical procedures and implementation of the k-ε model are validated by comparing the predictions with published experimental data of Mudawar and Maddox [11] and Incropera et al. [7] for a single plain heat source as well as with reported multi-chip module data of Incropera et al. and Gersey and Mudawar [12]. The effects of the ratio of the channel height to the length of heat source and orientation on the heat transfer characteristics inside the channel are investigated.