TAGRA 2025

Effective thermal management remains essential for enhancing the performance and operational stability of modern electronic systems. In this study, a numerical investigation was conducted to examine the influence of mini-channel quantity on the thermo-hydraulic behavior of a modified heat sink configuration. Cylindrical mini-channels were integrated along the flow direction to enhance heat dissipation, and comparative simulations were performed using graphite foam and aluminum heat sink structures. The analysis, carried out over a Reynolds number range of 163–1862 using COMSOL Multiphysics, focused exclusively on evaluating how varying the number of mini-channels affects the Nusselt number (Nu), pressure drop (ΔP), and thermal performance factor (η). The results indicate that increasing the mini-channel count improves convective heat transfer while maintaining a moderate pressure drop, thereby yielding an overall enhancement in η. Furthermore, while graphite foam consistently provides lower ΔP due to its porous morphology, both materials exhibit comparable Nu values, demonstrating that each offers distinct yet competitive thermo-hydraulic advantages. These findings highlight the significance of mini-channel quantity as a key structural parameter in optimizing heat sink performance.