Investigating the thermal performance of radial heat sinks with semicircular fins: a CFD and experimental approach

The increasing demand for efficient LED cooling solutions has highlighted the importance of heat sink design in improving thermal performance and extending the lifespan of electronic devices. This study investigates the thermal behavior of a radial heat sink with semicircular fins under natural convection, focusing on the influence of orientation angles (0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees) and varying heat inputs. What sets this research apart is the detailed examination of semicircular fin geometries, which has received limited attention compared to more traditional designs. The study extensively examines heat transport properties via CFD models and experimental techniques. Significant data indicate that the 30-degree orientation frequently surpasses lesser angles, attaining a superior Nusselt number and enhanced heat dissipation efficiency. Furthermore, the airflow velocity was highest at the 0-degree orientation, resulting in lower heat transfer efficiency due to minimal fin obstruction. The results showed that a 30 degrees inclination significantly enhanced the heat transfer performance, confirmed by both CFD simulations and experimental measurements with less than +/- 4.9% error, validating the reliability of the numerical model. The findings provide important information for improving heat sink designs in electronic cooling, especially in LED applications, where effective heat dissipation is essential for boosting performance and longevity.