Thermal analysis design tool for parallel plate heatsinks

A thermal analysis tool developed for laminar, narrow gap parallel plate heatsinks with various topologies such as side inlet and side outlet (SISO), top inlet and side outlet (TISO) or arbitrary location of inlet and side outlet is presented and examined. For simple topologies, the software has been validated with known exact solutions and CFD results. The fan curves and prescribed heat flux at base plate are incorporated into the software. Current analysis software combined with graphic user interface visualization tools have been demonstrated to be a useful, fast, and friendly tool for parametric design studies.