🧰The Rhino and Grasshopper files used in this example can be downloaded here: variable_heat_sink.zip

• This example demonstrates how to set up an automated workflow for simulating heat transfer of a heat sink with varying numbers of fins. A video showcasing this example is provided along with key steps for setting this scenario up.
• New users are advised to checkout the getting started page to understand the basics of using the plugin.

The geometry consists of 2 main components.

• A curve profile/surface that is revolved around the z-axis by 360 degrees.
• A rectangular fin geometry that is arranged via a polar array component to create “N” number of fins attached to the core.

These geometries are then merged to create a single part for the heat sink.

• The load and restraint surfaces are shown in (a) below
• Create a geometry object and set it to the bottom surface. Let’s name this geometry as “fixed temperature surface” as shown in (b)
• Create a Temperature boundary condition block as connect the fixed temperature surface block’s output to the component as shown in (c)
• Create a geometry object and set it to the top surface. Let’s name this geometry as “flux surface” as shown in (d)
• Create a “flux boundary condition” block and connect the flux surface and the flux magnitude of -1.0E5 W/m², as shown in (e)
• Merge the temperature and flux boundary condition blocks as shown in (f)

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• Create a solver settings block as shown in (a)
  • Set the target resolution of 100K
  • Select the linear solver type (direct)
  • Select the basis order ( basis order = 1 for linear elements)
• Set up the solver block as shown in (b)
  • Connect the solver settings (SS)
  • Connect the heat sink (C)
  • Connect the merged boundary condition block (BCt)
• Hit solve to compute the solution

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• Create a visualization block (b) and connect the solver output to the visualization block
• Optionally, users can connect the visualization settings block for customizing the views
• Right click on the visualize block and choose the simulation output for display (e.g. temperature or heat flux).

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The temperature distribution of the bonded assembly is displayed below, which shows that the max-min temperature is approximately 320K and 292K, respectively.

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