Numerical investigation of forced convective heat transfer performance of slotted and twisted I-shaped pin fin heat sink

Given the critical influence of heat sink geometry on thermal performance, the development of advanced pin fin designs is vital for achieving higher heat transfer efficiency in electronic cooling systems. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the hydrothermal performance of novel I-shaped pin fin (IPF) heat sink. The study examines the outcomes of inclusion of slots and application of twisting on thermal performance of IPF heat sink geometry under forced convection conditions. Simulations are performed for IPF heat sinks with different orientations, single slot, double slot, and different twist angles (10 o - 90 o ) under Reynolds number ( Re ) range of 8547–21367. ANSYS FLUENT is utilized to carry out the numerical simulations employing the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes-based κ-ε turbulence model. At highest Re, the results indicate a maximum enhancement of 187.58 % and 67.12 % in Nusselt number ( Nu ) and hydrothermal performance factor ( HTPF ) of double-slotted IPF with 60 o twist angle, respectively as compared with the base case (cylindrical pin fins). Findings of this study identify the double-slotted IPF heat sink with 60 o twist angle as the optimal heat sink model, providing a mass reduction of 5.88 % as compared with the base case.