Numerical Analysis of Thermal Convection in a CPU Chassis

Abstract

Flow distribution and the effects of different boundary conditions are achieved for a steady-state conjugate (Conduction & Convection) heat transfer process. A plate fin heat sink with horizontal fin orientation along with a computer chassis is numerically investigated and simulated using software ANSYS CFX. Fin orientation of a heat sink changes the direction of fluid flow inside the chassis. For predicting turbulence of the flow inside the domain, a two-equation based k-ε turbulence model is chosen. The Reynolds number based on inflow velocity and geometry is found 4.2 × 103 that indicates that the flow is turbulent inside the chassis. To get proper thermal cooling, the optimum velocity ratio of inlet/outlet, dimension of inlet/outlet and different positions of outlet on the back sidewall of the chassis are predicted. Aspect velocity ratio between the inlet airflow and the outlet airflow has an effect on the steadiness of the flow. Mass flow rate depends on the dimension of the inlet/outlet. The horizontal fin orientation with 1:1.6 inlet-outlet airflow velocity ratio gives better thermal performance when outlet is located at the top corner of the chassis, near to the inner sidewall. Flow distribution and heat transfer characteristics are also analyzed to obtain the final model.