Thermal Conduction in a Heat Sink - Homework

Overview

CPUs are the essential core of modern computers. As a direct consequence of their high processing power, they easily heat up and must be cooled to make sure that the system does not overheat. A common way is to place a heat sink on top of the CPU, which dissipates heat by transferring it from the CPU to the surrounding air. Metals are optimal materials for this kind of application. However, depending on their properties certain metals outperform others.

Objectives

The primary objective of this homework is to learn how to simulate and analyze the heat conduction mode. In this homework you will also learn about the effect of using different materials for this specific application, and how the material properties affect the heat transfer.

Setup

Download the Mesh file required for setting up the simulation and associated Case and Data files here. Follow the instructions below to set up this simulation in Ansys Fluent starting with the Mesh file. In case you face any issues setting up or running the simulation, refer to the corresponding initial and final Case and Data files.

Alternate video link.

Results and Discussion

Let’s now analyze the simulation and understand the physics of thermal conduction in a heat sink.