Abstract This article describes how Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can help inthe selection and/or design of a heat sink for electronics cooling applications.CFD modeling complements the other tools in the thermal tool kit: calculationsbased on approximations and correlations; and experimental work. Whether theapplication includes single or multiple heat sinks, the … [Read more...]
A valve-less fluid pump for electronic cooling
In a research project at the Royal Institute of Technology we have developeda pump based on a new fluid pump principle with no valves. The pump consists oftwo fluid flow rectifying diffuser/nozzle elements which are connected to theinlet and outlet of a pump chamber with an oscillating pump diaphragm, as shownin Fig.1. The diffuser/nozzle element has a lower flow resistance in … [Read more...]
Thermal conductivity of printed wiring boards
The thermal management of printed circuit boards is of increasing importanceas the power density of components and circuits continues to rise. Thesituation is complicated by the use of boards with multiple sheets of copperembedded in the electrically insulating boards to provide electromagneticshielding and to allow more three-dimensional connectivity of the circuitry bythe use … [Read more...]
The need for a change in thermal design philosophy
Figure 1: Standard situation Figure 2: Required situation Introduction The future of many electronic companies will depend to a large extent ontheir ability to initiate techniques that bring schedules, performance, tests,support, production, life cycle costs, reliability prediction and qualitycontrol into the earliest stages of the product creation process. The … [Read more...]
Specifying filters for forced convection cooling
Introduction The importance and utility of air filters is often underestimated since itis typically an after-thought in the design cycle. The wrong filter is oftenused for an application which may compromise the electrical and thermalperformance of the system as a result of contaminant build-up. In this article,different filter designs and the selection process is reviewed to … [Read more...]
