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Fourier’s law of heat conduction states that if temperature gradient is present in a body, then
the heat will transfer from a high-temperature region to allow- temperature region. And, this
can be achieved in three different ways, such as convention, radiation and conduction.
Whenever two objects with different temperature come in contact with each other, conduction
occurs causing the fast-moving molecules of the high-heat object to collide with the slow-
moving molecules of the cooler objects, and thus, transfers thermal energy to the cooler object,
and this is termed as thermal conductivity.
Similarly, heat sink transfers the heat or thermal energy from a high-temperature component
to a low-temperature medium like air, water, oil, etc. Usually air is used as a low-temperature
medium; and, if water is used as medium, then it is termed as cold plate.
These do not possess any mechanical components and are made of aluminium finned radiators.
These dissipate thermal energy or heat by using the convection process. These are most reliable
than the active heat sinks; and, for efficient operation of passive heat sinks, it is recommended
to maintain continuous air flow across their fins.
Heat sinks are generally made of metals; and, aluminium is the most common metal used in
heat sink. We are aware of the fact that the thermal conductivity of each metal is different. The
thermal conductivity of metal is proportional to the heat transfer in heat sink. Thus, if the
thermal conductivity of the metal increases, then the
heat transferring capacity of the heat sink will also increase.
The thermal conductivity of the aluminium is 235 W/mK; it is the cheapest and lightweight
metal. Aluminium heat sinks are also called as extruded heat sinks as they can be made using
extrusion.
The design of aluminium heat sink
1. Geometry style