Thesis topics
Modeling and optimization of porous heat sinks applying CFD and DEM
title
Modeling and optimization of porous heat sinks applying CFD and DEM
institution
doctoral_school
supervisor
co-supervisor
discipline
description
The operation of electronic components inherently involves energy loss in the form of heat, which almost always negatively affects the performance of circuit elements. The optimal operating temperature is typically maintained using a heat exchanger composed of a heatsink and a fan. Driven by user demands, research is continuously focused on achieving quieter operation and developing increasingly smaller and lighter devices. However, due to miniaturization, the available space within devices is shrinking, and the acceptable noise levels are becoming increasingly strict. As a result, traditional heat exchangers are often no longer adequate. At the same time, modern innovations – such as 3D printing and metal foams – have initiated experiments into spatial structures that offer sufficiently large surface areas while restricting airflow only to the extent necessary to ensure optimal convective heat transfer.
The aim of the research: The handling of granular materials has long been a subject of research, particularly in efforts to create denser packing. However, if the goal is the opposite, namely filling a given volume while maintaining an optimal amount of void space between the particles could open the possibility of designing a porous heatsink with a large surface area and sufficiently low flow resistance. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to develop a method for utilizing granular materials as heat exchangers. The fundamental approach involves using simulation algorithms to determine the optimal granular structure that balances heat transfer surface area and flow resistance. The objective functions are to minimize pressure drop while maximizing the heat transfer surface area.
Related former research: https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202124903005
Video: https://doi.org/10.48448/g96d-qp50
Current devices: CFD software (Ansys), Instruments for flow tests, 3D printer for shape and form experiments
Applied technologies: Finite Volume Method based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Discrete Element Method (DEM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), or machine learning based, or other parameter identification techniques
The aim of the research: The handling of granular materials has long been a subject of research, particularly in efforts to create denser packing. However, if the goal is the opposite, namely filling a given volume while maintaining an optimal amount of void space between the particles could open the possibility of designing a porous heatsink with a large surface area and sufficiently low flow resistance. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to develop a method for utilizing granular materials as heat exchangers. The fundamental approach involves using simulation algorithms to determine the optimal granular structure that balances heat transfer surface area and flow resistance. The objective functions are to minimize pressure drop while maximizing the heat transfer surface area.
Related former research: https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/202124903005
Video: https://doi.org/10.48448/g96d-qp50
Current devices: CFD software (Ansys), Instruments for flow tests, 3D printer for shape and form experiments
Applied technologies: Finite Volume Method based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Discrete Element Method (DEM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), or machine learning based, or other parameter identification techniques
student count limit
2
location
Szombathely, Budapest
deadline
2026-05-31